Paid in Full

Her gaze burned, her breaths came in jagged gasps, and her face was violently flushed, as if her blood were boiling just beneath the skin. Dewi no longer felt like "Dewi" to me. The gleam in her eyes that usually brought such peace had morphed into an uncontrollable flash of chaos. For a fleeting moment, I pitied her; I pitied the fragility of a soul so easily tossed by the waves—as if the mere whisper of the tide could rewrite her entire fate.

Yet, I did not falter. I stood tall and rigid, holding her gaze while my hands tightly gripped a broom. Offering a guiding hand, upholding a single promise that felt almost taboo: that I would never walk away from you, even if I had to force the pain to taste like honey.

The red in her face slowly faded, replaced by tears welling at the brims of her eyes. I was right there beside her as she opened the torn letter, a thing shredded by anger and disappointment. It surely looks strange—a corporate executive left alone with someone like me. But this is my calling; laying claim to a love I could never possibly ask for out loud. At the very least, I can fulfill my obligation as your guardian, and the simple fact that you afford me your attention is already more than enough.

And so, I offered her a respectful bow, then turned and walked out the door—leaving her space to resolve the emotions she had yet to settle. I will return to my sweeping, clearing away the dirt for her sake. But it doesn't matter. I am content with this.

As long as this feeling is paid in full, I am willing.