I'll Be Taking Charge

"Pity?" Kafka echoed, his voice gentler now, urging her to explain.

Camila exhaled slowly, her hands still resting against his chest, feeling the slow, steady beat of his heart beneath her fingertips.

"Yes." she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I feel…pity for you."

Kafka opened his mouth, caught off guard by the mention of himself.

But before he could even question it, she smiled suddenly, a soft, genuine smile that carried a different kind of warmth—one filled with relief, gratitude, and something even deeper.

"But before I say anything about you, I'll tell you what I feel at the moment, Kafka, so that you stop worrying."

She continued, shaking her head slightly, her tone lighter now.

"I'm happy, Kafka. Really, truly happy."

She let out a breathless little chuckle, as if realizing it herself in real time.