"But I'm not saying goodbye," I pointed out.
"Don't you see? That's what proves me right. I care the most, because if I can do it" --he shook his head, seeming to struggle with the thought-- "if leaving is the right thing to do, then I'll hurt myself to keep from hurting you, to keep you safe."
this is a characterization of edward, the characterization i keep finding everywhere already. he's so deeply in love with her that he can't leave her for a single moment, and he's talking about how set he is on making sure that she isn't getting hurt. i'm already beginning to see a fate vs. free will theme form again, where edward is painfully using all the power he can to keep himself from devouring bella.
the obvious question here is, will he become bella's and his own downfall? and is it possible for him to avoid the fate that he bears with his immortal gift?
