Freedom?

At least, I thought I did.

Initially, I wanted to. I wanted him to feel just a margin of the pain he had made me feel since I met him.

If I could not hurt him emotionally, then physical pain would have to suffice.

However, I didn't.

Instead, I said, "I see. Why haven't you? You usually tell me all about her."

Scratching his chin, he replied, "Yeah, but you know…when you like someone so much and you know that what you tell them could hurt them, especially when that thing you want to tell them doesn't even exist anymore, you wouldn't have the heart to do it. Wouldn't you agree?"

"Of course."

After a beat, I added, "I wish you could have had this philosophy before."

Something like guilt flashed through his eyes but this time, it did nothing for me.