“She honestly believes that you will eventually come back home,” Gavin revealed softly.

I felt something deep inside my soul settle into absolute, unwavering clarity.

“I am never coming back, Gavin.”

He offered a slow, heavy nod of agreement.

“I know you aren’t.”

There was no angry pushback, no defensive threats, and no raised voice.

He simply accepted my words.

That clean resolution hurt in a far more profound way than I had anticipated.