Lion Head Mesa acquiescent

Sayf could tell the touch was not unwanted, and for a brief moment, he thought the soldier would accept his offer. 

But then he pulled away, explained that he wouldn't be able to forgive himself. Sayf only stared at him, frozen and unsure what to say. But it did't matter; the shadow nodded and promptly left, leaving the fellahin alone on the cliff. 

He stared out at the mountains for a long time. He felt cold and empty, and he knew the feelings would linger for a while, despite any effort to push them away.