"I once had someone," Sven said eventually, his tone softer than they'd ever heard. "Someone I planned to marry one day. We grew up together, and I promised her that once I made something of myself, I'd buy her the biggest ring I could afford."
He glanced down at the silver circle in his hand, eyes distant. "But I never got the chance. She died. Right in front of me."
The words hung heavy in the air.
For once, Sven didn't grin or laugh. He just stared at the ring - his thumb tracing the metal as if it still carried her warmth. "So… I keep this one. I found it on her body, and apparently she had bought it for me."
He looked up at the grey sky. "It's not to mourn her, but to remember her. Reminds me what I lost, and what I can't afford to lose again."
Even Takeshi's stoic expression softened. Isaac stayed quiet, giving him space.
