Wincing as he threw her own words back at her, Elsie bit her lip so hard she was sure she'd draw blood. The words it's not what I want at all, sat on the tip of her tongue, poised to undo everything she'd just done, but she couldn't. A stray tear escaped and she wiped it away quickly, hoping he hadn't seen. He seemed ready to somewhat accept what she said, if he questioned her again, she'd surely crumble. Any attempt to explain herself would lead to a meltdown or a confession, she was certain.

"You're right, I can't, I just think it'll be... easier this way." The whisper was barely audible, like she didn't even believe her own words, her voice shaking as a few more tears rolled down her cheeks. This had to be better right? Somehow it didn't feel like it. This was miserable. Elsie just couldn't stand the thought- the possibility, that sometime down the line he'd resent her for having to quit. Even the thought of it now had her breath catching, knocking the wind from her, but she couldn't lose it just yet.

She turned watery, hopeless blue eyes on his, feeling completely lost. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Elsie worried briefly that she was making a huge mistake, that this would be ruined beyond repair, but she didn't know what else to do. She wasn't worth his career, not when he loved it so much, no matter what he was willing to do in place of it, she just couldn't be the reason it ended.