"I understand if you don't want to wake up next to me in the mornings. If you don't want to kiss me and hold me. I understand. But, please, tell me you don't hate me. Tell me you still care, even a little bit, and I'll be content. I won't try and convince you loving me back is what you were meant to do," he whispered into the phone.

She took in a sharp breath and let it out by replying, "I don't hate you."

He slumped with relief. "Okay."