“Marce!” Much did call after her - how could he not call after her. He even started to chase her, (”Marcie!”) with the intention of stopping her and making her talk to him - he was sure he could explain - but he stopped himself. Thinking about what she’d said about being fine unless she was surprised, about never letting herself get in that situation again, he was pretty sure that if he planted himself in front of her she wouldn’t hear a word of his explanation because she’d be focusing on the fact that he wouldn’t let her leave.
No, Marcie was free. It hurt to let her go, but it was better than risking her seeing him as someone who would... take away her choice to leave.
Besides, what could he say? Nothing he’d said to Marcie had helped, nothing he said made her any less hurt, what else could he say, what else could he do, to rescramble the world around so she wasn’t upset? Swivel back time and tell her about Leila? He should have told her (shouldn’t he?) Or... he should have paid more attention to her flirting, earlier - that thing about swords. He could have said, oh you should see my girlfriend Leila with a sword - that would have worked! It might have come out a little awkward but a little awkward was better than that look on Marcie's face. Why hadn't he said something. Shit, had he been leading her on? What a fucking arse.