Charlotte

"You can't keep shutting everyone out, Alex, It is not what I would have wanted."

"I'm not shutting them out, I'm protecting them." he said aloud, running a hand through his hair.

"Are you? Or are you just afraid?"

He closed his eyes, holding the edge of his desk as the familiar feeling of guilt pressed down on his chest.

When he opened them again, he was not in the study anymore.

He was back in the garden where him and Charlotte had shared many memories together.

She was there, sitting on the bench, her smile was as beautiful as ever.

"Charlotte?" Alexander whispered, his voice was shaking.

"You are making the same mistake, Pushing most people away and pretending like you don't care." she said, her tone was gentle but firm.

"I can't let anyone get that close again," Alexander said, his voice was really breaking.