ALL he could think of was Alexis. Trembling, he started, "Alexis, can..."

He couldn't finish.

Alexis wept.

She hid her tears, silent sobs wracking her frame. Leonel rarely saw her cry. Usually, she'd call him “Leonel” cheerfully, with her curly brown locks bouncing.

He remembered their childhood squabbles.

Back then, Alexis cried too.

Now, just like then, Leonel felt lost. He didn't know how to comfort her or explain himself.

He thought about what he'd done last night.

He'd told her if she was with someone else, then he could do the same.

He reminded her she still had his blood, even if she thought he was disgusting.

He'd said they'd both be free to move on.

But Alexis...

How had it come to this?

Leonel felt devastated. All he could remember were his words from their childhood, "Don't cry, Alexis. I'll do whatever. Just don't cry."

Alexis lifted her head. "Sign the divorce papers."

Leonel didn't know how he managed to say "okay," but his heart felt numb with pain.

He asked, struggling, "When?"

Alexis blinked softly. "I get to pick?"

Leonel closed his eyes briefly. "Yes."

"Then let's do it now," Alexis said, her voice soft but resolute.