Page 26 of Cavern of Silence
"Yes."
Allowing him to risk what he loves when he just got it back seems cruel after all he's gone through.
"I don't think you should jeopardize anything."
"I thought you couldn't go back?"
"I can't."
"Then why are we discussing this?"
"It's not fair to you."
"Because I told you about my personal life?"
"No..."
He raises his eyebrows.
"I just think—"
"I don't need you to pity me, Julieta."
"I'm not."
"I think you are."
"No, I'm not. But you've worked hard to get back here and —"
"I'm not allowed to make decisions based on what I feel is right or wrong because my wife died?"
Silence except for monkeys screeching in the trees above us.
"I'm not taking you anywhere you don't feel safe, Julieta."
I blurt out, "I don't want to hurt you."
"Then don't."
"If you lose your job—"
"Losing my job isn't going to hurt me, Julieta."
"What will?"
"I told you. I care about people. I care about you."
Fire ignites in his eyes. I want to believe it's possible that a man like him could care about me. That someone so brave, kind, and seemingly honest, could actually feel that way about me.
But my self-esteem is too low. I've been alone for too long. Betrayal has cut too deep.
"You don't know me."
"Why do I have to know you to care about you?"
"The people who know me don't. How are you supposed to?" I blurt out.
"Anyone who has you in their life and doesn't see your brilliance isn't worth your time."
