I have to leave town. I have to get away from this mess I’ve pulled myself into. I have to leave her. I have to forget about her and move on to a new life. I’m going to head up north for a while and see where that takes me. I’ll tell my boss I need a leave of absence. 

My irrevocable and enduring love for Rachel stands in the way; it feels like I’m in a rush for something I can’t hold on to… I need time to slow down a bit. Rachel seeps deeper and deeper into my heart, forming a hole. I feel weak. I need to clear my head. Goodbye Rachel. Enjoy life with Richard. I’ll be fine, don’t worry. Don’t worry.