He hated it.

The thought made his knuckles itch.

He’d always prided himself on being a loner; was one by nature. Always leaving, running, never looking back.

Of course he respected her need to go, understood. Maybe even envied it.

He just wasn’t used to being the one left behind.

Of never seeing dark brown eyes, not having this one person address him as a man, not a beast.

But he had no real claim to her, couldn’t tell her not to do what he lived by.

Instead, he gave her a smile, “See ya kid.” And watched her leave.