Gently, Mark pulled back from the embrace just enough to look Charles in the eyes. He cupped his tear-stained face with both hands, his thumbs gently wiping away the tears.
"Listen to me very carefully, baby," Mark said, his voice filled with quiet certainty.
Charles searched his eyes desperately, holding his breath as he waited for what Mark would say next.
"The money I sent you is just a gift. I want you to go out and buy yourself anything your heart desires," Mark explained. "I'm not leaving you. I swear to you, I'm not going anywhere. I promise, Charles. I'm so sorry I made you feel this way when all I wanted was to make you happy."
Charles stared at him, his lips trembling as fresh tears spilled down his cheeks. "You… you're really not leaving me?" he asked in a tiny voice, as though he still couldn't quite believe it.
Mark shook his head immediately. "Never," he answered without hesitation. "Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever."
