Broken Boulder cause I'm still breathing on my own

He was still, throat aching and eyes hot with unshed tears— he would not cry now. Later— when he was alone, and could forget the ugly words he had spilled. There was no forgetting now. Running is supposed to be my thing, his mind whispered mockingly, tormenting him with the thinly-veiled confession. Alarian never told anyone before he ran— he just did. He left, and he didn't look back.
But he had said it now, and for perhaps the dozenth time he realized he was well and truly stuck. It bothered him less, now— the weight had not fully lifted from his chest, but Lily's soft words had eased the burden. Thank you, The Governor managed, voice still tight. For being here— for staying.
The boy pressed a little closer to his friend, drawing in a shaky breath. I'm glad I'm home, too.