Kissed Quote by Taylor Stevens
““Bradford paused and his expression shadowed. He pulled her back and held her tight. Whispered, “Don’t say it, okay? I know what’s coming and I don’t want to hear it. Not tonight. Tomorrow maybe, but not tonight.” He wasn’t talking about Kate Breeden. They both knew that Munroe could only bear so much pain and loss before coming completely undone. She needed time away, time to heal, and she could only do that by returning to who she was: the lone operative, shut down and shut off. Munroe set the glass on an end table, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him. She truly loved him; always would. She smiled and fought back the sadness, glad in a way that she was spared from having to say good-bye, from uttering the words she never wanted to speak—although, in truth, there would never really be a good-bye, because if this was where home was, then like a homing pigeon she’d return, and Bradford had to know it, just as he also knew her reasons for leaving.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Merciless by Taylor Stevens, 2014
A lover protects a partner from painful truths, choosing temporary avoidance to allow healing, while both understand the inevitable return.
In simple terms: Protecting love by postponing painful conversations.
Key Takeaway
Allow space for healing before confronting loss.
Themes
love
protection
healing
avoidance
return
Mood
tender
hopeful
Type
romantic
dramatic
When to use this quote
- relationship crisis
- grief recovery
- partner support
Key Concepts
attachment
emotional resilience
temporary separation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance protection with honesty?
- When is postponement healthy?
A Different Perspective
Avoidance may delay necessary emotional processing.
