Tears of a Broken Soul

Once outside, Cid opened the car door and motioned for Mia to get in. She obeyed in silence, still in shock.

He got in as well, started the engine, and drove toward the house.

The ride was filled with heavy silence. Mia kept her head down, her eyes brimming with tears she struggled to hold back. The weight of her emotions crushed her, making it impossible to find the words.

As soon as the car stopped in front of the house, Mia rushed out, completely ignoring Cid, and went straight to her room. As soon as she shut the door, her legs gave out, and she collapsed onto her bed, burying her face in the pillow. The sobs she had been holding back finally burst forth, releasing everything she had been suppressing.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

— "Mia?" Cid's hesitant voice called. "Are you okay?"

— "Go away, Cid." Her voice was broken, muffled by her tears.

Silence fell, but he didn't leave.

— "I can't walk away knowing you're like this."

Mia slowly lifted her head, her red, tear-filled eyes staring at the door bitterly. A painful smile stretched her lips as she whispered, her voice trembling:

— "Why? Why are you staying when you called me arrogant and heartless? If that's what you think of me, then why do you insist?"

Cid lowered his head, ashamed. He knew his words had hurt Mia, and he deeply regretted them. Taking a deep breath, he looked up and murmured:

— "Because you're worth it."

Mia, surprised, stopped crying for a moment and sat up slightly.

— "I regret what I said, Mia. I was an idiot, a brainless fool. I judged without knowing, without understanding what you've been through. If only I could take it back..." He clenched his fists. "But I can't. All I can do is try to make it up to you."

Mia looked away.

— "All I want is to be alone..." she murmured, her voice breaking.

A long silence stretched between them before Cid let out a resigned sigh.

— "Alright... But just know that if you ever need me, I'll be here."

With those words, he turned and walked away.

The moment she heard his footsteps fading, Mia broke into tears again. But this time, a soft, familiar presence appeared by her side.

A gentle hand rested on her shoulder. Mia flinched and turned around, only to find Fran standing beside her, a sad smile on his lips.

— "Fran..." she whispered before throwing herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

He held her gently, letting her cry as long as she needed.

After several minutes, Mia pulled away slightly, wiping her tears with her fingertips. Her voice trembled as she tried to speak:

— "I... I tried to be strong..." Her throat tightened. "I wanted to face my tormentors... but... but I failed..."

A broken cry escaped her lips, and she shook her head, overwhelmed.

— "I'm so weak..."

Fran cupped her cheek with one hand, his gaze filled with tenderness.

— "Mia, you're not weak." His voice was soft, soothing. "Having humanity, unlike so many others, isn't a weakness. It's a strength."

She looked up at him with uncertainty, and he gave her a warm smile.

— "When I saw you acting coldly at the restaurant, I thought for a moment that I had lost my little troublemaker. But now, I see she's still here."

Mia frowned, irritation flashing in her eyes.

— "Don't call me that, Fran..."

He burst into laughter.

His lighthearted laugh softened the atmosphere, and despite herself, Mia let a faint smile slip. Fran took on a more serious tone, though his smile remained.

— "Don't get me wrong. You are fine just the way you are. Don't change, Mia. Don't let the past destroy you."

He paused before adding more firmly:

— "And he's right."

Mia immediately lifted her eyes.

— "Who?" she murmured, hesitant.

Fran gave her a knowing smile.

— "Cid. He's right about one thing: you are worth far more than those people who think they have the right to judge others."

With those words, he gently pulled her into a warm embrace.

Mia felt the last of her tension melt away. For the first time in a long while, she felt safe. Cradled by Fran's comforting warmth and soothing words, she eventually drifted off to sleep against him.

Carefully, Fran laid her down on the bed, making sure to tuck her in properly. He brushed her face lightly with his fingers and murmured:

— "Good night, little troublemaker."

A faint smile appeared on Mia's lips in her sleep.

Fran watched her for a moment, satisfied to see her finally at peace. Then, just as he had come, he slipped silently into the shadows, leaving Mia to sleep soundly, free from her nightmares.