Helen just sat there, her mind a blank as she stared down at her hands. She didn't know what to say. There were no right words. The urge to run away was incredibly strong, but she still didn't want to leave him.
After a couple of minutes silence, Helen shook her head, "Don't say that. I couldn't bare the thought of you hurt." She looked back to him for a moment and leaned over, kissing his cheek. "I love you. I always have. But it would have been incredibly selfish and arrogant of me to think you'd wait forever. I just want you to be happy." And that was true. "I'd better go. Briseis offered me a safe place to stay. It's my best bet right now." She couldn't hide the tears in her eyes, even if she tried.