And he can't answer that. Because she hasn't been doing that. It's all him, and he can't defend himself, because there is no defense. I was just trying to help comes to mind, but it's pathetic.

He leans his head against the doorframe again and doesn't answer.

"I did that once," he whispers. "Once. And I did it because I was afraid of hurting you even further. I've never run away from you before when you needed me. But if you're not able to forgive me for it, then...there's nothing else I can say. I can't make you forgive me for running away."