"I'm not abandoning you," Tom said. "No way. Just because we can live there, doesn't mean we have to. And if you decide not to do it, I'll still be around. I'll still be here next year, if you want me to be."
He bit his lip, a rare show of uncertainty. "I don't like the thought of leaving you alone here anyway. Even though I know you can take care of yourself."
He slid down from the chair, sitting cross-legged in front of her. "I'd rather you did it, though. I'd rather not be alone either."