Astion

The silence in the apartment became palpable. You sat on the edge of the made bed, staring at a single spot on the wall. Inside, a scorched desert.

Astion entered cautiously, trying not to make any noise, even though you were already wide awake. He crouched down in front of you, covering your cold hands with his own.

— I brought your favorite tea. With mint, just the way you like it.

You didn't answer. You didn't even blink.

"Sunshine, look at me," he asked quietly. His voice wavered, but he immediately regained his composure. "We'll get through this. Do you hear me? We'll get through this together."

“Why?” Your voice sounded strange, cracked. “There’s nothing left there. Inside... it’s empty.”

Astion didn't pull away. Instead, he squeezed your hands tighter, transmitting his warmth.

— There's you inside. And there's me. And our life, which hasn't gone anywhere. I'm not asking you to smile right now. Just... let me be here. Do you want me to read to you? Or should we just sit in the dark?

He didn't wait for an answer. He simply sat down on the bed, pulled you close, and let you rest your forehead on his shoulder. You could feel his heart beating fast. He was broken too, you knew it, but he stood like a rock, preventing you from sinking completely.

"Let's try taking one breath," he whispered into your hair. "Just one. And then one more."