Paul's used to people leaving, one way or another – sometimes it's a willing letting go, sometimes it's kicking and screaming. April is the only person who's ever left him twice, and that's entirely unsurprising, because April always was entirely singular, perfectly unique, and she always did step away from the beaten path.
The first time it was with a kiss and a smile, and a promise to keep in touch. She'd clasped his hand, and for a moment he'd thought – hoped – she wouldn't let go. Then she did, and turned to walk away, and he held his breath almost until she was out of sight.
The second time he didn't hear her goodbye – he got it in a letter, addressed in a handwriting he didn't recognize, return addressed to a Mark Cohen. He opened it, and the letter inside was unsigned, addressed only to Paul. It didn't need any more. The only things that mattered were the first sentence and the last – I'm sorry and I love you.
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timeasmymeasure
Two Goodbyes, Rent, April/Paul, leaving, G
Date: 2007-04-03 12:08 am (UTC)The first time it was with a kiss and a smile, and a promise to keep in touch. She'd clasped his hand, and for a moment he'd thought – hoped – she wouldn't let go. Then she did, and turned to walk away, and he held his breath almost until she was out of sight.
The second time he didn't hear her goodbye – he got it in a letter, addressed in a handwriting he didn't recognize, return addressed to a Mark Cohen. He opened it, and the letter inside was unsigned, addressed only to Paul. It didn't need any more. The only things that mattered were the first sentence and the last – I'm sorry and I love you.