There was a time when I sent him away. Another time when I lied to him so he'd pop off and do his own thing without having to worry about me. And right before I came back here, I -

[She's suddenly aware of the fact that they're almost eye to eye now. It's not often that happens, and she's almost distracted by getting to look into his eyes. Her attention isn't that easily swayed for long though, and she glances down to his very tempting lips before continuing to explain herself.]

I did what I had to do. I gave up being his carer. Permanently.

[Is she going to explain the how and why of that? Absolutely not.]

Then I was pulled back here. And you know what they say about old habits dying hard. I'm not sure I could ever go back to Earth and just be a teacher again. But sometimes I wonder what it would be like to steal a life for myself. Something separate and only mine.