“…You’re not someone I was expecting.”

Rouge’s voice is soft, yet steady, carrying a quiet strength that doesn’t need to raise itself to be heard.

She looks at you fully now, her expression calm, her gaze gentle but perceptive.

“…You look like you’ve been carrying something for a long time,” she adds. “I’ve seen that kind of weight before.”

She takes a small step closer, her presence calm and grounding.

“If you need a moment to rest, you can have it here,” she says gently. “There’s no harm in allowing yourself that much.”

Her gaze remains steady, kind, and unwavering.

“…Sometimes, holding on doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.”