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Some days she didn’t know what parts of her were real. Sophia usually checks up on Ichinose before she can contemplate any serious decisions. Even if she was by herself, she knew better than to go along with any raging impulses. Sophia may be the only person that can keep her moving. How could she not carry some sense of shame over the events that spiraled? She thought to herself.
“What’s the plan today Ichinose?” Sophia smiles affectionately at her.
Ichinose’s eyes trail away from Sophia’s face. “U-um,” voice trembling. Tears are trailing down the side of her face as her fingers try to catch them.
She feels two hands reaching on the sides of her cheek, forcing her to look down. Sophia gives Ichinose a sad smile. “Don't worry, all is forgiven. No one is mad at you.”
Ichinose wiggles out of Sophia’s grasp. Sophia knows the healing process isn’t going to quicken from her reassurance. But surely, she was going to be that comforting pillar for her during this time. She traced her fingers up and down her spine, chin resting on Ichinose’s shoulder, allowing her a moment to break.
Despite her state of being, Sophia’s acts of tenderness made her think that maybe she wasn't a monster. The love in Sophia’s gaze helped ground her in reality. The memories of the past continue to crush her heart, a pain pushing beyond the point of cognition.