Someone Else

Phoebe’s tears flowed freely now, each one a reminder of her own failings. “I know,” she admitted, her voice thick with emotion. “I was a coward. I didn’t want to fight them. I didn’t want to upset them. I thought if I just ignored it, it would go away. But it didn’t, Seth. And I see that now. I should have defended you. I should have been stronger.”

Seth let out a dry laugh, though there was no humor in it. “Yeah, you should have. I stood by you through everything, every judgment, every insult, every time they tried to push me away. I stood by you, thinking you were worth it. But you never stood by me.”

The truth of his words struck Phoebe like a physical blow, and she felt her legs buckle slightly. She caught herself, breathing deeply, trying to steady the overwhelming guilt that surged through her.

“I know,” she whispered again, her voice barely audible. “I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I don’t deserve another chance.”

Seth’s face softened slightly, though the pain remained. “And