carried a crisp chill, and though she was bundled in her favorite scarf and coat, a different kind of cold had taken residence deep within her

t," Tom said, bre

staring at the water below. "There's something I have

his expression patient a

out quickly, as if she feared she'd lose the courage to say them if she hesitated. "It was supposed to save my life, and

ords hang in the air. When he spoke, his voic

t the surgery, of course, but they don't understand how I feel. They're just glad

ing to struggle," To

I wonder who this heart belonged to. What kind of person they were.

ing force. "It sounds like you're carrying the weight of two lives. T

na whispered, her voice breaking.

rself be enough. You're not here to live someone else's life. You're here to live

the first time in months, she felt the weight of her guilt and fear begin

her mind, and she resolved to take the first steps toward healing. She started by returning to St. Mary's Sh

reparing meals and sorting donations. By the end of the day, her muscles ached, but her heart f

ts' house, the weight of her actions during Marta's celebration pressing heavily on her chest.

her voice a mix of relief

that seemed to mock her with memories of happier times. Marta was sitting on the couch,

lose her nerve. "For what I said at the party.

her voice remained guarded.

een carrying so much pain, and I didn't know how to deal with it. So I l

l. Then, to Karina's surprise, Marta stood and crossed the room. She pulled Ka

t between them beginning to mend. Petra and Ivan joined the embr

lt a sense of belonging she hadn't experienced in years. The journey ah

events with a mixture of relief and gratitude. He listened with h

starting to se

t?" Kari

Tom replied. "And that your heart-new o

time, Karina

stery

in her volunteer work at the shelter, the monotony of chopping vegetables and folding donated clothes offering a kin

, always ready with the perfect words to lift her spirits or g

at the

warm, carrying the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and simmering stew. As she shrugged

jorie who had been working there for years. Marjorie's cheerful demeanor and e

s of bread on a tray. "Have you seen Tom around? He's the tal

she repeated, her tone uncertain. "I don't think I know

been here a few times when I've co

get a lot of people coming and going, especially during the

her stomach. She forced a smile and returned to h

anish

ear when she needed him most, whether it was during her evening walks or moments of emotional turmoil. But outside of those encounters,

by the riverside, Karin

down, you know," she said,

o a faint smile. "I'v

one seems to know you. Not at the shelter, not anywhere. I

he might deflect her question with one of his philosophical musings. Inste

ere I'm needed," he said softly. "Sometime

hing. Why don't you have a phone? Or a reg

een before. "Because I've found that the more people know

superhero, Tom. You're just..." She paused, searching for the right words. "Yo

his tone remained calm.

been this incredible support for me, but I feel like I

barrassed by the tears welling in her eyes. Tom reached o

real than you might ever know. But there

ure of frustration and longing. "Then wh

"And trust that, for now, I'm h

ered Q

that night, she replayed Tom's words in her mind, searching for hidden meanings.

ce had pushed her to confront her fears, mend her relationships, and rediscover her s

at that truth might reveal. For now, she clung to the strength he'd h