I forgot one important thing.
That thought rose slowly, the way a heavy tide creeps back.
I stood there, quiet inside myself, feeling the weight of everything that had changed.
Now that I've evolved, it is technically not my problem to help Maria anymore.
The Quest was done.
That truth was clear, sharp, and logical.
But… then, just as quickly, another image pushed its way forward.
A memory of Maria's face.
I remembered it too clearly, as if it had been burned into the back of my eyes.
The way she stood there when she asked me for help.
Her hands trembling, fingers curled together like she was holding herself in one piece.
Her shoulders were stiff.
As if she was trying to look brave.
Even though fear was already spilling through the cracks.
Her lips had parted like she wanted to say.
Something stronger, something confident.
But… the words never came out that way.
Her eyes were the worst part.
They weren't dramatic or loud.
They didn't beg in an ugly way.
