Red's POV
I know I need to broaden my understanding—and my patience—when it comes to Destiny. She has been through so much, and I have to meet her where she is, not where I wish she'd be. I keep telling myself the wait will be worth it. No matter how many times she tries to push me away, I won't give up on her. I can't.
Now that I've found her again, I can finally breathe. Sleep doesn't feel like a war anymore. Even if just seeing her face—marked with pain and weariness—nearly shatters me, it also grounds me. I can't let her see how broken I am inside, not when she needs strength. But God, she's braver than I ever imagined. Stronger than she even knows.