Don't Exist

Katie's words stung. Her words about a mask and about issues that weren't connected to the ranch. Even if she was right, Hunter didn't want to think about it. That's why he was leaving - so he wouldn't have to. He didn't understand what was going on inside of himself - he just wanted to bury it and move on. Why couldn't she let him do that?!

He's about to retort when she comes closer. Not the tears... why did she have to cry? The look on her face and seeing those tears... they cut Hunter to the quick. Not to mention her begging him to stay. A lump rises in his throat and his inner battle intensifies.

Spinning on his heel, he turns his back on Katie. Rubbing his hands over his face, he growls. "I'm not leaving you... I'm leaving this place... it has nothing to do with you so don't make me out to be the bad guy." But he was the bad guy. Here he was, forming a friendship - maybe more - with Katie, and he'd up and decided to just run off. Whether the issue was her or not, he was letting her down and hurting her.

Setting his hands on his hips, he sighs deeply. He could feel Katie behind him. Her eyes. Those tear-filled eyes. Why was she making this so difficult? "Life's not fair, and happy endings don't exist," he argues.