“Do you ever wonder what it would have been like if you’d never met me?”
  Alison looked up sharply, the words stinging immediately, “What?”
  “You know, if you had fallen in love with someone else, someone who could make you happy.”
  “I’m happy with you!” she protested, moving to sit closer to him.
  “No Ali. You’re beautiful and intelligent and caring,” he stopped to smile sadly at her, “but you’re not happy.”
  She let the words sink in and felt a tear slide down her cheek. She took his hands and held them firmly, as if to steady herself. Then she spoke, her words strong but shaky, “I couldn’t do this without you.”
  “Do what?” he asked her puzzled.
  She locked her eyes with his and said, “This… anything, everything! Work, school, just being. I need you. You’re the reason behind every one of my smiles and my laughs. In every action I take and decision I make I think of you. I love you and if I’m not happy it’s my own fault. Nothing makes me happier than you.”
  She looked away suddenly feeling vulnerable. He closed his eyes, letting a few tears escape. Then he turned her head towards him and kissed her. No longer thinking of leaving her, no longer wondering what was best he held her and hoped he’d never have to let go.