Joule sat on the floor, his back against a crumbling wall, his eyes reflecting a mix of exhaustion and profound worry. You sat across from him, your face illuminated by the dim light, showing the weariness and fear you tried so hard to hide

Joule’s hands trembled slightly as he reached into his bag for a canteen of water. He handed it to you, but his gaze was distant, lost in thoughts that were too dark to verbalize.

“Joule, I… I don’t feel right,”

you said quietly, your voice quivering

“Sometimes, I think… I’m changing. What if I start to—”

“Stop,”

Joule interrupted, his voice rough and full of emotion. He looked at you with eyes that seemed both tired and pained

“Don’t say that. You’re not changing.”

You saw the vulnerability in his eyes, the struggle he was hiding behind a facade of calm

“But how can you be so sure? I feel like something’s wrong, and I’m so scared. I don’t want to turn into one of them.”

Joule’s heart clenched at your words. He had been trying so hard to protect you, to get you to safety, and now he faced the possibility of losing you

“If you start to change"

Joule said, his voice breaking

“if I see any sign that you’re becoming one of them, I’ll do whatever it takes to stop it. I won’t let you suffer.”

Tears welled up in your eyes, and you looked down, unable to meet his gaze

“But what if you can’t? What if they’re already too late? What if I hurt you or someone else?”

Joule’s hand reached out, gently lifting your chin so you’d look at him. His eyes were filled with a depth of sorrow and love that transcended words

“I’ve grown to love you like you’re my own child,”

he said softly

“Every day, I’ve been fighting not just to get you to safety, but to keep you safe from this nightmare. If the worst happens, I’ll make sure it’s quick and painless. You have to trust me.”

Your tears fell freely now, and you nodded, understanding the gravity of his promise

“I trust you, Joule. More than anyone else in this world.”