I watched as she stepped off the path, turning to look at me as if she expected me to follow. I shook my head. She stared at me for a moment as if she couldn't believe that I had refused. But she didn't force me as she made her way down the unbroken path, knowing that I didn't belong where she was going. I can't follow you this time.

I continued walking down the road I'd always traveled. Each step growing more painful than last. The road didn't look as friendly as it once had. Though I doubted I would be welcome if I turned back. Eventually, others joined me and the journey was less painfully. I wasn't alone.

"Why did she leave?" asked a fellow traveler one day.

"She wanted to leave and I wanted to stay," I answered after a moment.

"Do you regret your decision?" the fellow traveler inquired.

"No, I wanted to stay,"