He found it difficult to believe her. Love might very well be stronger than fear, but in his experience, it didn't last long.
"You won't be doing it alone," he told her, and shifted to look at the door. "Your parents will be there for you. They'll understand." They'll be relieved.
He forced himself to look at her, and blinked back tears as he did. He soaked in the mousy brown color of her hair and the tears running down her pale face. He knew she was hurting, but it would get better and she would understand. Her parents would see to that.
"I'm sorry, Dora," he said quietly, and then turned towards the door. He wasn't sure where he would go, or what he would do, but he'd been on his own with nothing before. It was better this way.