In the end, she softly pushed the door open.

Leonel was in the bedroom, sitting on the carpet beside the bed.

There were photos scattered around him, along with a box of painkillers.

When he heard the door open, he snapped, “Didn't I say to stay out unless I give permission?"

Alexis didn't respond but simply stepped closer.

He suddenly looked up and saw Alexis.

Alexis gazed back at him.

She saw the photos at his feet. They were all candid shots of her, some from when she was abroad, and others more recent.

Her voice was strained as she asked, "I thought we got rid of these last time?"

Leonel's fingers tensed a little.

He understood that she had figured something out. But driven by his pride, he replied in an even tone, “What does it matter to you?"

Alexis didn't say anything. She just slowly sat down next to him.

Leonel froze.

Then he heard Alexis say, “Leonel, can we give it another shot?"

There was silence in the bedroom.

Leonel couldn't hear any sound. But there was turmoil inside his heart. Alexis had just told him that she wanted to give him another chance.

He screwed his eyes shut for a long time.

Every fiber in his being wanted to say yes and admit that he too wanted to be with her again; to assure her that he wouldn't disappoint her this time; to promise her that he would love and cherish her with all his heart forever and ever.

But he just felt not worthy enough to be with her anymore.

His left leg was crippled. He needed assistance even with the most basic things. How would he be able to provide her with the means to live a normal life? He couldn't help but feel that he didn't have the right to ask her to start afresh with him.