Ralph was silent for some time, considering. Malina had said that she did not wish to remain in this world. But if she went back, how the devil was she going to take care of herself? She needed someone to look out for her. The problem of her lack of I.D. had never been resolved, and she was simply not equipped to deal with such things herself.
But this would mean he would have to go back with her, in effect losing any chance he might have with Nevana. And Nevana . . . he could have a proper relationship with her, with no complications or past problems (that he knew of) to sabotage a comfortable, pleasant relationship. On the other hand, life with Malina . . . he found himself unable to envision such a prospect. Life with Malina would mean sacrificing everything for the sake of looking after a confused young woman with whom it was unlikely he would ever be able to build any sort of life.
But then, why the hell had he kissed her?
At last, Ralph said, ‘I don’t know. I have to stay. At least for now. I’ve got nothing to go back to . . . and there are things here that I have to see through.’