CASEY
Sebastian got out of the car first, then came around to my side of the car. He opened my door and, still holding my hand, we walked toward the front door together.
But when we reached the front steps, he stopped and turned me to face him.
I stiffened, wondering why. Was he going to kiss me again? Say something?
"I'm leaving on Monday," he said.
I nodded. What else did he expect me to say? And when I realized he wasn't going to say anything more, I replied,
"OK. Have a nice flight, nice travel."
He smiled, but it wasn't the kind of smile that lit up his face; it was softer, sadder.
"I don't want to go. I don't want to leave you here. I wish you could come with me," he said.
I laughed, though inside it felt more like a sigh. In my crazy haze, I stayed rooted to the step.
"And I wish you would stay, too. But I guess we were at an impasse."
He nodded slowly. "Yeah, I guess you're right."
Then he shrugged, almost casually. "So… I have a favor to ask you."
