Chapter 65: Mystiques

"You were right, you know."

Richard didn't turn around. Just let the words hang in the air.

"…About what?"

Mario exhaled. The sound came out ragged, tired. Like it hurt just to say it.

"I am tired."

Richard glanced back.

Mario was slumped forward in the chair now. Less defiant. Less hostile. Just… hollow.

"I don't sleep much," Mario muttered. "Even before all this. Every night, it's the same dreams. My little brother crying because he wants more rice. My mother skipping meals so we can eat. My dad—when he was still around—cursing the radio because all the politicians sound the same."

He didn't look up. Just kept talking like the words had waited too long to come out.

"I didn't become this because I hated the world. I just stopped believing it would change."

Silence.

Richard finally stepped closer, hands in his pockets.

"Do you want to be released?"

Mario blinked, startled.

"What?"