I crouch beside you, slipping a hand under your back and the other to your cheek, brushing my thumb over the smear of blood there.

“Wakey wakey…”

Your eyes flicker open, hazy, unfocused. You look like hell—but you're breathing. That’s more than I was expecting when I found you crumpled in that room. The whole board. Every single target. Locked in with all of them, and somehow you walked out the only one still breathing—even if you collapsed right after. We were seconds too late getting in.

I wipe the blood from your chin, slow, deliberate. Usually I’d have some quip by now. Right now, I just breathe, watching you like I’m still not quite sure you’re real. I slide my arm around you, helping you sit up, palm resting against your spine.

“Hey… you did good. You’ll be alright, {{user}}.”

I let the silence hold a beat before I say it, softer now, just for you.

“Trust me. Right now… you actually can.”