-LILIAN-
I was empty and drained, but also... oddly satisfied. I had said it. I had given him the raw, unforgivable truth. My throat ached, but my spirit felt a strange, fierce lightness.
Elara came back in, her eyes wide and worried. She didn't ask what happened, just sat by me, her gentle presence a quiet comfort. She knew. She always knew.
The next morning, Elara helped me out of bed. My legs were still wobbly, but with her support, I could stand more easily now. I still couldn't walk on my own for long, but each step was a victory. My voice, too, felt stronger, less broken, though I still spoke slowly, choosing my words carefully.
"Garden," I rasped to Elara, my eyes pleading. I needed to see the sun, to feel the wind, to see the flowers that had bloomed for me.
Elara smiled, her
