Lost in his own thoughts, Bruno wondered what he had done. She had trusted him, and he had completely crossed the line. What was that? Why did I do this?
Confused and desperate, he found himself immersed in a mental frenzy, an intense conflict between his ideals and principles. Confusion, sadness, regret, satiety; a feeling of guilt and dirtiness coursed through him. Emotions and sensations swirled uncontrollably inside him.
In his lap, Flávia watched his emotional collapse. Her eyes were anxious, filled with concern, like someone witnessing harm come to a loved one. A faint touch of guilt crossed Flávia: Should I have acted differently?
Without saying a word, Flávia hugged him tighter.
— Bruno, don't blame yourself — she said gently after a few seconds. — Your thirst and desires were at their limit. Besides, I chose you. It's normal for newly turned vampires to lose control like this; none of them can resist.
A slight relief passed through Bruno, but it was quickly replaced by a bitter feeling.
So, this is it? he asked himself. Everything I knew as a human is gone? Not even my ideals and beliefs remain… so what's left of me?
His voice broke as he spoke:
— I didn't want…
Flávia didn't respond with words, only comforted him silently. For a few minutes, Bruno's mind wandered alone, lost and confused. During that time, memories flooded him. Three stood out.
The first was his grandmother's birthday, when the whole family gathered. It had been an incredible day, full of unity and happiness.
The second memory was a night of conversation with friends. They were discussing ideas for the future, and one of them said, "I don't know, I just want to be with you all." The simplicity and affection of that phrase stayed with Bruno.
The third memory was a heartbreak. He had believed that person was meant for his life, but in the end, they left.
These three memories represented three deeply human feelings: happiness, friendship, and frustration. They hadn't disappeared; they were still there, but only as memories.
And now? Bruno was in a castle, embraced by a vampire. Who am I? Am I still the same person?
Amid his doubts, Flávia's voice spoke softly:
— Bruno, you haven't changed.
She said it gently, her hand resting on his face.
— How not? — he asked, almost crying. — Everything I knew or believed is destroyed.
— Transformation doesn't change your mind — she replied calmly. — It only intensifies your feelings.
— But… what if, with an intrusive thought and this intensification, I hurt someone? — Bruno said, nearly trembling.
Flávia touched his chest, placing her hand over his heart, and pressed her forehead to his:
— How can you say that? You would never kill anyone. Feelings come from here — she said, firm yet sweet. — I am here with you because I want to be. Nothing more. Also… I love you, if you accept me in the future, maybe.
She didn't finish the sentence. Her huge heart was still the same: gentle, kind, and even if easily irritated, she had never been cruel. That's what made her so incredible.
Then, she sealed Bruno's lips with hers. As she spoke, something inside him began to turn, slowly dissipating his dark thoughts, invisible to the weak.
Trembling, confused, sad, and lost, Bruno asked:
— Is it possible to keep my humanity?
She nodded gently, keeping her embrace firm.
A spark of hope lit in his chest. He straightened on the sofa and slowly wrapped his arms around Flávia. Looking into her eyes, he could see tenderness. What a wonderful woman, he thought.
Time seemed to pass slowly in that tender embrace. Bruno lifted his hand to her face, and the words came naturally:
— How lucky I am… that the woman who took an interest in me has such a huge heart.