Time and Decision

She never understood the impulses that drove him, never quite felt the intensity that, over time, chiseled lines into his face, she was never quite close enough to him - but he held her as though she were, whispered into her ear words that only a soul mate should receive.

Over the remnants of dinner, they both knew the time had come. He would have said: "I have to go find the Princess," but he didn't need to. Giving a final kiss, hoisting a travel bag to his shoulder, he walked out the door. Through all the nights that followed, she still loved him as though he had stayed, to comfort her and protect her, Princess be damned.

-Braid, World 5