Never Not You

This isn't goodbye

Aurora's voice was tender and laden with regret as she asked, "Do you want to see Teo?"

Leah, her heart heavy with the weight of their parting, held Aurora close. The embrace was a silent testament to the depth of their bond, a wordless exchange of comfort and love amidst the pain. She clung to Aurora, savoring the last moments of their closeness before everything changed.

After a long, quiet moment, Leah pulled back slightly and looked into Aurora's eyes. "Please, Rory," she pleaded one last time, her voice breaking.

Aurora's fingers gently stroked Leah's hair, her own eyes brimming with tears. "I'm sorry," she whispered, the words barely audible through the choked sobs.

Leah took a deep breath and said, "Where's Teo?"

Aurora's voice was soft but steady. "He's in the lounge, asleep."

Leah nodded, her heart aching at the thought of leaving. "Okay."

Aurora hesitated for a moment, her gaze locked with Leah's. "Leah..."

Leah looked up, her eyes filled with a mix of hope and sorrow. "Yeah?"

Aurora's voice was full of emotion as she said, "I love you."

Leah's response was immediate and firm, a promise as enduring as their love. "I love you too. Always have, always will."

With a final, lingering look at Aurora, Leah turned and walked towards the lounge. Each step was heavy, each breath a reminder of the pain of their parting. When she reached the lounge, she found Mateo sleeping peacefully in his crib. Leah approached slowly, her heart aching with the bittersweet joy of seeing him.

She crouched down beside the crib, her fingers brushing gently against Mateo's cheek. The sight of him, so innocent and serene, brought a fresh wave of tears to her eyes. Leah whispered softly, "Hey, little one. I'm going to miss you."

As she gazed at Mateo, Leah felt a deep, abiding love for both him and Aurora. This moment was a painful goodbye, but it was also a testament to the strength of their connection and the hope that someday, they would all be together again. With a final, loving look, Leah gently kissed Mateo's forehead and stood up, ready to face the uncertain future with the hope that their love would guide them through the storm.

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Leah turned back to Aurora, her eyes still red from their earlier conversation. "When do you go?" she asked, her voice barely steady.

"In the evening," Aurora replied, her own voice strained with the weight of their conversation.

Leah nodded, trying to steady her emotions. "Have you got a flight yet?"

Aurora shook her head. "No, I still don't know where we're going."

Leah's frustration was palpable as she responded, "You're going to Spain. That way, you're not alone."

Aurora hesitated, shaking her head. "I don't know..."

Leah's voice took on a firmer edge. "No, Rory. You're going to Spain. You're going to stay with Alexia or Mapi or Alexia's mother—I don't care which one. But you will not be alone in some random country. You will go home to Spain, you will get better, and you will come back to me, okay?"

Aurora's shoulders sagged, and she whispered, "Okay."

Leah stepped closer, her resolve unwavering. "Promise me you'll do this."

Aurora nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I promise."

Leah took a deep breath, trying to muster a smile through her tears. "I love you, Rory. More than anything. Please take care of yourself."