Jessie had just gotten home and freshened up.

She listened quietly before responding, “Alright.”

She didn't protest and Axell wasn't satisfied with that. He couldn't help but ask, “Are you going back to Albert?"

Jessie stayed composed. “That's none of your business."

Then she hung up.

Meanwhile, Axell stood in his living room, cigarette dangling between his fingers. As a doc, he rarely smoked, but today he'd burned through more than half a pack. He felt troubled. Logically, he knew he'd made the right call-pursuing a future and a career.

But deep down, he felt he'd made the wrong choice.

He cared for Jessie.

In their brief time together, something akin to love had blossomed.

He knew he felt happy and wanted her by his side.

Debra was just a stepping stone.

Axell's throat tightened as he clutched the phone, its heat seeping into his palm.

Monica arrived with a midnight snack, gabbing away, "Your girl's being unreasonable. She pops in once and vanishes. What's wrong with her?"

Axell's chest clenched.

He accepted the snack, but his mom's words soured its taste.

He should have told her about the breakup, but he couldn't bring himself to do it.

Not saying anything made it feel Like Jessie was still around.

Axell felt torn and tormented.

He tossed and turned, sleep eluding him. Thoughts of career and love whirled in his head until dawn broke.

Regret gnawed at him.