The Ache of Too Late

"Clara, this isn't your fault. You don't need to blame yourself so much," Declan said.

Clara kept sobbing, her shoulders trembling slightly.

"Please leave. I just want to be alone for a while," she murmured, her voice muffled as she turned away.

Before Declan could respond, she yanked the blanket up over her head, curling into herself like a wounded animal.

Declan hesitated for a second before pus