We arrived at La Casa De Rosa. The mansion gleamed under the late afternoon sun, its rose garden sprawling like a labyrinth. Children ran across the courtyard, laughter echoing. Caregivers guided elders along the paths, while a few volunteers carried supplies.
Her eyes widened. "Wait… what… what is all this?"
I stepped closer. "It's the people I told you about. They have a home now. A place to live safely."
She took a shaky breath, looking around at the bustling mansion. "I… I can't… I can't accept this."
I frowned. "What do you mean? You don't have to struggle anymore. You can live with me. I'll take care of you… everything."
Her lips pressed together, and her gaze dropped. "No. I… I can't trust anyone. Not like that. I've… I've been hurt before. People… people I relied on… they let me down. I can't do it again. Even if it's you… even if you're my savior, I… I need to do this alone."
I opened my mouth, but she shook her head. Her voice was quiet but firm. "I'm… sorry, North. I appreciate what you did for everyone. I… I really do. But this… I can't accept it."
Before I could respond, she turned and walked away, her silhouette disappearing into the rose garden. I stood frozen, unsure what to do or say.
Flashback – Two Years Ago
Rain poured in torrents, soaking the narrow alley where she huddled beneath a crumbling roof. Her small hands clutched the tattered blanket that was supposed to be her shield. She had trusted someone once—a friend who promised safety, food, warmth—but they had abandoned her when it mattered most.
Her stomach ached from hunger. Tears mixed with the rain on her cheeks. Voices of those who had promised help echoed in her mind: "We'll take care of you… we'll protect you…" And yet, no one had come. Not then. Not ever.
Since that night, she learned a hard truth: relying on others only led to pain. Survival meant solitude. Strength meant shutting the world out.
Back in the present, she walked through the rose garden, chest tight but steady. She didn't look back. North remained near the mansion's entrance, silent, grappling with the wall she had placed between them.