The night air was still, wrapping around them like a silent witness to their pain. Sam remained in Mahiru's arms, his breathing unsteady, his body heavy with exhaustion. He had cried more than he ever had before, as if years of bottled-up sorrow had finally spilled over.
Mahiru held him gently, her warmth grounding him, reminding him that he wasn't alone.
Minutes passed in silence. Neither of them moved, neither of them spoke.
It was Mahiru who finally broke it, her voice soft, hesitant.
"…Do you feel a little better?"
Sam didn't answer immediately. He didn't know how to. Did he feel better? The pain was still there, still gnawing at his chest like an open wound, but…
For the first time, he didn't feel like he was drowning in it.
"…A little," he admitted hoarsely.
Mahiru pulled back just enough to look at him. Her eyes were still wet, but she smiled softly. "That's good."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small handkerchief, gently dabbing away the tears from his face. "You're a mess," she teased lightly, trying to ease the heaviness in the air.
Sam let out a quiet chuckle, though it was weak. "Yeah… I know."
Mahiru hesitated for a moment before saying, "You don't have to hold everything inside, you know?"
Sam glanced away, his jaw tightening. "…I don't want to be a burden."
Mahiru frowned. "You're not a burden, Sam. Not to me."
His eyes widened slightly, caught off guard by the sheer sincerity in her voice.
Mahiru continued, her tone gentle but firm. "I won't tell you to forget the past, and I won't tell you to pretend you're fine when you're not. But I will tell you this—" she placed a hand over his, squeezing it lightly. "You don't have to carry this pain alone anymore. I'm here."
Sam stared at her, his heart pounding.
She meant it.
Every single word.
She was here.
He swallowed the lump in his throat and, for the first time in a long while, allowed himself to believe it.
"…Thank you, Mahiru."
She smiled, her fingers lingering on his hand for a moment before she stood up, brushing the dirt off her skirt. "Come on," she said, offering her hand. "Let's go home."
Sam looked up at her, then at her outstretched hand.
A small, exhausted smile tugged at his lips as he reached out and took it.
And just like that, Mahiru led him away from the darkness.
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