Connor had gone home hours ago, but I stayed in the hospital cafeteria for most of the day. I was aware of all the staff’s strange looks as I stirred my coffee absent-mindedly.

Eventually the setting sun began to cast an orange glow over the rows of tables. I was about to push my still full coffee across the table and leave when I heard my name called from behind me. My heart sunk.
I got out of my seat and looked at Jacob in despair.

“Jake, I—”
He grabbed my wrist and pulled me closer as I turned my head to avoid another kiss; I knew that would only make it worse.
“Stop!” I said, a little too loudly – I had to wave away a girl at the next table as she rose to help me.
“I want to be with you,” Jacob whispered. “I just can’t break up with her when she’s like this.” He wrapped one arm around my waist, still holding my wrist above my shoulder. Any words of protest left me. I just stood there looking dumbly into his eyes. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered again, then leant in to kiss me – and I didn’t stop him.