THE CHOICE THAT HURTS
Elliana didn't sleep that night.
She stared at her ceiling, memories crashing into her—her mother's laugh, Leon's smile, her father's broken eyes. Everything tangled together until her chest felt too tight to breathe.
At sunrise, she made her decision.
She found Leon at the old garage, sitting on the hood of his car, eyes hollow like he hadn't slept either.
"You came," he whispered.
She crossed her arms, keeping her distance. "I didn't come for you. I came for the truth."
Leon nodded. "I'm ready."
Tears burned her eyes. "Why didn't you stop racing?"
"I tried," he admitted. "But guilt doesn't disappear. I kept punishing myself… over and over."
Elliana swallowed. "My mom deserved better."
"She did," he said softly. "And so do you."
Silence stretched between them.
"I'm turning myself in," Leon said. "Your dad deserves that. Your mom deserves that."
Elliana flinched. "You don't have to—"
"Yes, I do," he interrupted. "I can't keep running. Not after hurting you."
Her hands trembled. "This doesn't mean I forgive you."
"I don't expect you to," he replied.
Tears slipped down her cheeks. "I loved you."
Leon's voice broke. "I still love you."
She shook her head. "Love doesn't erase what you did."
They stood there, two hearts breaking in different ways.
Finally, Elliana whispered, "I'm choosing my mom."
Leon closed his eyes. "I understand."
She turned away before he could see her cry again.
Because choosing right…
Sometimes feels worse than choosing wrong.
And as Elliana walked away, she knew this wasn't just goodbye to Leon.
It was goodbye to the girl she used to be.