It was late. The time of night where things are said that wouldn't – couldn't – be uttered in the harsh glare of daylight. She used the opportunity to obtain clarity.

"What do you want in the future?" she inquired.

At first he waffled, misunderstanding the question. Perhaps it was intentional. Earlier proclamations of love and marriage belied the truth; his response began with "I like you but …".

She looked at him as he sat basking in ego and felt a pang of sympathy. Despite being in love with him, she didn't initiate this conversation to ask for something more serious.

It was because she had met someone else.