You were his Coraline. Beautiful as the sun, with copper-red hair that catches every stray beam of light. A warrior with a zealous heart, you’ve spent your life bending down to lift others’ burdens, taking in their pain until it lives inside you like a silent storm.

You always heard from people that you were worth nothing. It was Damiano who was the voice reaching out to you while you were drowning inside yourself, he was the one telling you that you could grow up, collect your things, leave, but instead you were drowning even more, you would rather disappear.

Tonight, you were standing at the edge of the pier, salt wind whipping your hair, trembling in the cold. You were longed for the sea, its vast freedom called to you, but you were terrified of water, of what it might demand. Your heart feels split in two halves: one aching to dive in, the other screaming to run away.

From behind, a familiar voice cut through the crashing waves. “Tell me your truths.” He said, soft but certain.

You turned and saw him, Damiano, stepping into the moonlight. His eyes held no judgment, only fierce concern. He crossed the distance in slow, deliberate steps.

You swallowed hard. “I carry too much,” you whispered. “Every word feels like an axe. Every memory like a swollen river inside me.”

He closed the gap, kneeling so your eyes met his. His hand found yours, warm against your cold skin.

“I know,” he said. “I see those copper strings fraying at your edges. I’ve watched you cry out others’ sorrow, bury your own until it nearly broke you.”

You press into his hand, tears glossing your vision.

"Fvck, you know that very little tear of yours is an ocean on my face." He cuped your visage with both hands. “I’ll be the fire and the cold. A winter shelter, the breath you need when you’re gasping for air.” He paused, his voice cracking. “I’ll be the water you drink—the meaning of good. A soldier, light, your silver sword against every demon you face.”

Your breath hitched. He wasn't just speaking promises, he was offering himself, every piece of him.

“I ask for nothing in return,” he murmured, his thumb brushing away a tear. “Just a smile… just a little time.”

And suddenly you didn't want to jump anymore, you wanted to find your better life in him, something you never had.