The Confession

He didn’t speak immediately. I heard him exhale—slowly.

“It’s…” He dragged a hand down his face, eyes tightening. “I just don’t know how to explain it.”

“You don’t have to, Roman.” I turned to him fully, my voice calm but my chest tight. “You don’t owe me any explanation.”

“I know.” He breathed out slowly, lifting his gaze to mine. “But I have to say it.”

His throat bobbed as he swallowed, like th