Redhawk Caldera greyscale

She had been right to think that it would hurt. She felt the crumple in her chest as Teya confirmed it, but Bridget was sure that she'd done the right thing. She wouldn't destroy a family to suit her own feelings.

She couldn't speak for a moment, though, and just nodded. Turning to the sky, she closed her eyes and took a minute to collect herself, letting the cracked disappointment settle in completely. Maybe she'd always known, in some way, that Teya was bound to break her heart. Her affections had always seemed to catch fast - with Sundance, with Ibis, with Reyes - and Bridget refused to compete. She knew in her heart what that would turn her into. It would ruin them.

She needed to say something. The words were ashes in her mouth.

I understand. She would stop feeling this way eventually and, in time, they'd get past this. She had to stop feeling this way eventually. She couldn't imagine a life where she had to deal with this regret, this longing, every time. But she would live with it as long as she needed to because as much as it hurt, the alternative was unthinkable.

I'm glad we talked about this. I like knowing, even if it's not... She trailed off. What I want. She still wasn't sure what Teya wanted. Thanks. She kept herself so closed. Every glimpse that Bridget got was carefully given, a gift that she shouldn't take for granted.