Collapsing into you

YIREN'S POV

It's Suyin. I stare at it, willing myself not to answer.

I stare at it for a long moment, then let it ring out. I can't talk to her. I don't know what to talk.

And just then, as if the universe has a cruel sense of humor, I hear footsteps approaching. I turn to see Suyin walking toward me, her face soft with concern.

"I knew I'd find you here."

I don't move. I stay rooted to the spot, my heart hammering in my chest. I feel like a coward.

"I'm sorry," I whisper, the tears threatening to fall again. "I'm so sorry."

Suyin steps up to me and wraps her arms around me. She's warm. She smells like home.

"Shh. You don't have to apologize. You've been through so much, Yiren. This was a conspiracy. You're not to blame for this."

But I can't stop myself. "I led this project. I'm responsible for this. It's my fault. I lost everything."