He must have sensed my presence because the moment he turned and saw me, he immediately dropped the cigarette onto the ground.
"What are you doing here, Alicia?" he asked.
I folded my arms and gave him a pointed look.
"I was about to ask you the same thing."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"I just needed some air."
My eyes dropped to the half-smoked cigarette lying on the ground.
There were barely any ashes.
He had probably only lit it a few moments before I arrived.
Without saying a word, I stepped forward and quietly crushed what remained of it beneath my shoe.
Alexander watched my actions before letting out a resigned sigh.
"I'm sorry," he said softly as he walked closer.
"I know..."
"I've been trying to quit."
"But some habits are easier to start than they are to stop."
"Trying?" I repeated, though my voice came out much gentler than I'd intended.
I couldn't even bring myself to scold him.
After all...
Alexander hadn't always smoked.
