The familiar surroundings tugged at her heart, a wave of sorrow swelling within her as tears brimmed her eyes.

Memories of her first departure, fueled by a misunderstanding with Sanford, flooded back.

The emotions were similar, yet now they were intensified a thousandfold.

A foreboding feeling crept over her, suggesting that if she left this time, it might be for good.

Collapsing to the floor, Maggie hugged her knees and wept.

Sanford was someone she couldn't release from her heart, not even a bit.

In the echoing stillness of the room, her sobs were the only sound.

Time seemed to blur as she cried, until the door opened and someone entered.

Startled, Maggie raised her tear-streaked face.

Through her blurred vision, she saw a pair of long, straight legs.

It was Sanford!

Sanford, caught off-guard by the sight of Maggie in tears, dropped his luggage and rushed to her aid, inspecting her with worry etched on his face.

"Maggie, are you okay? Why the tears? Tell me what's wrong," he urged, his voice laced with concern that grazed her already sensitive emotions.

Without a word, Maggie lunged into his embrace, clinging to him as though trying to fuse with him.

“Sanford, I..

She yearned to confide everything, to let him steer their future.

Yet, the words wouldn't come.

The risk felt overwhelming.

Her strength was too frail.

Feeling the dampness on his collar, Sanford's anxiety spiked.