[ it may not be actionable, but something about her phrasing soothes him. it’s the first time he’s been told that what he feels might be what’s right, after all—not simply that he should attempt it in spite of being wrong.

it gives him pause. ]

I’d like to get married. I think it sounds wonderful, with the right person. But that’s an impossible dream with the person I love, and it feels… it feels like no one else will do.

[ even patricia. she deserves more than being second-best. ]