Gabriel and Zoe remained quiet for a few seconds — a silence that felt oddly comforting.

“I just wish it hurt less,” she whispered.

“I know… But sometimes, Zoe, pain has a purpose. It shows us where we still need to heal. Therapy will help you more than you think. Trust me.”

Zoe hesitated.

“It feels like if I stop to talk… I’ll fall apart completely.”

“And sometimes falling apart is the first step to putting yourself back together. You don’t have to carry everything alone, you know? Find someone who can help you untangle what’s happening inside. You deserve that kind of care.”

She took a long breath.

“Arthur ruined everything we were building.”

“Look, I know you’re hurt. And you have every reason to be. But… can I be honest?”

“Of course.”

“I keep thinking about him too. Arthur… he made a huge mistake. A terrible one. But he’s also shattered. A young man who is now… paralyzed. It’s not just physical. It’s his whole identity collapsing. The feeling of helplessness, of failure. And the g