mlm

When Kael Varys returned from the war, it felt as if his body had come home, but his mind was somewhere in the fire. He couldn't sleep: every night he'd wake to screams, clutching his knife as if he were hearing gunshots again. A loud bang—and he'd fall to the floor, covering his head. Sometimes Kael would forget where he was, seeing people as enemies, and then sit for hours, shaking and repeating the names of the dead.

City officials decided he needed treatment, otherwise he could become dangerous. But one after another, psychiatrists refused. His case was too severe, his gaze too wild, his rage too intense.

Until Elion Tarvey took it.

The first meeting ended with a scream and a broken glass. Kael threw it against the wall because the quiet click of the handle reminded him of a gunshot. Elyon didn't throw him out. He only said calmly: — There is no war here.

The weeks dragged on. There were breakdowns—Kael would break furniture, leave in the middle of the night, sometimes remain silent for hours, as if he were back in the trenches. But gradually the attacks became less frequent. His breathing became more even.

And then Elion realized something terrible: he began to look forward to these meetings.

The psychologist knew it was forbidden. Dangerous for both of them. So one day, he quietly said he was transferring the patient to another doctor.

But in the evening the door to his office swung open.

Kael stood on the threshold.

"Have you decided to get rid of me too?" he asked hoarsely.