Villain Ch 1961. Not as His Shadow
She didn't flinch.
"I just wanted to say this," Elio continued, voice low, even. "I hope you recover. I hope this place helps. And I hope you move on. Without Allen."
That did it.
Her eyes snapped to his.
"I knew it," she hissed. "You were always jealous of him. You wanted to be him. Be with him."
Elio didn't react. He just met her gaze.
"No," he said simply. "I wanted you to see me. Not as his shadow. Just… me."
She laughed. Short. Cracked. Hollow.
"You never stood a chance."
"I know."
He stood.
Turned.
Didn't say goodbye.
Sophia wrapped her arms around her knees again. Rocked slightly. Mumbled Allen's name once. Then again. A whisper that repeated like a skipping record.
Outside, the air was cold.
Elio put his helmet back on, fingers stiff.
Gilbert slid into the driver's seat but didn't start the car. Not right away.
"You okay?" he asked, voice low.
"No," Elio admitted. "But we did what we came for."
