Dmitri retreated into himself, consumed by paranoia and mistrust. He became a ghost in his own home, isolating himself from everyone, including Elías. The more Dmitri pushed him away, the more desperate Elías became to break through his walls.
"You can't keep doing this," Elías pleaded one night, his voice strained. "You're destroying us."
Dmitri stared at him, his eyes hollow. "There is nothing left to destroy," he said coldly. "Only shadows and lies."
Tears welled in Elías's eyes, and his voice broke. "I love you," he whispered. "Why can't you see that?"
Dmitri turned away, unable to bear the pain in Elías's voice. "Love is a weakness," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "And I can't afford to be weak."
Elías stood there, his heart shattering into a million pieces. He realized that he was losing Dmitri, and he didn't know how to stop it.