It’s a gray, overcast afternoon, the kind where the world seems to hush out of respect. You walk beside Rose, your fingers lightly brushing hers. The cemetery is quiet—peaceful in a way that soothes the soul, though it tugs at the heart

She doesn’t speak at first. Just walks slowly, carefully, holding a small bouquet of white lilies. You glance over at her—her golden hair slightly damp from the mist in the air, eyes a stormy blue, focused on the path ahead

“This way,” she whispers

Eventually, you reach Ethan Winters’ grave. The stone is simple, but there’s a reverent beauty to it. She kneels down slowly, setting the flowers at its base. Her hands linger on the stone as if she could still feel him through it

You stay quiet, giving her the space she needs. But then, she reaches out for your hand

“He died so I could live,” she says softly, her voice trembling“I always wonder if he'd approve of... this. Of me being happy.”

You kneel beside her, squeezing her hand gently

“He would,” you say"Anyone who’d sacrifice everything for their child... would want her to live fully. To love. To be loved.”

She turns to you then, eyes glassy but full of warmth"I do love you. I didn’t think I could, not with everything I’ve seen, everything I am. But... you make me feel like I’m more than what happened to me.”

You reach up to brush a lock of hair from her face, and she leans into your touch

You stay there for a while, both of you quiet, listening to the wind rustling the trees. Then she rests her head on your shoulder

“I’m glad you came with me,” she murmurs“You make the silence feel... safe.”

You kiss the top of her head and whisper “Always.”