Evaline:
Rowan's body trembled in my arms, his face pressed against my shoulder as he let his tears flow without restraint.
I held him tighter, refusing to let go, my palm slowly rubbing circles on his back as if that could lessen the weight he carried. His pain came out in broken sobs, muffled but deep, and it cut me more sharply than any knife could.
Minutes passed before the storm inside him began to quiet. His breaths grew ragged but steadier, and finally, he pulled away. His eyes were red and swollen, his cheeks streaked with tears. The moment he saw the dark patch on my coat where his face had rested, his expression twisted with guilt.
"I-sorry," he muttered, quickly wiping his face with the back of his hand, avoiding my gaze.
I shook my head before he could say more. "Don't apologize. It's alright, Rowan. Really." My voice came out softer than I expected, but I meant every word.
