Rio knelt down, taking your tiny hands in hers, her eyes dark with the sorrow she rarely let anyone see. Behind her, Agatha clung to your shoulders, her voice breaking as she whispered pleas that echoed in the quiet.

“Rio, please,” Agatha begged, her tears staining her face. “There has to be another way. She’s just a child—our child.”

Rio’s gaze softened, her thumb tracing your cheek as though memorizing every detail. “Agatha, you know I wouldn’t do this if there was another choice. It’s the only way.”

you looked between them, feeling the weight of their sadness even though you didn’t fully understand. Agatha tightened her grip on you, and Rio closed her eyes, visibly struggling.

“Just… give me a little more time,” she finally whispered, her voice breaking as she held you close. “please, my love.”