"When did I become this way?"
The woman, frozen by Lolchess's question, let her arms fall to her sides. She looked away, avoiding Lolchess's piercing gaze.
"I used to be... different," she whispered, her voice barely a breath. "I knew what had to be done."
"And now?" Lolchess asked softly. "Am I still that person?"
The woman hesitated. Then, after what felt like an eternity, she whispered, "I don't know anymore."
Lolchess slowly raised her hand, placing it gently on the woman's shoulder. The unexpected touch made her flinch, but she didn't move, her eyes locked with Lolchess's.
"We both failed," Lolchess said, her voice calm and composed. "Not because we were weak, but because we forgot what really mattered."
The woman opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out.
"What do you think truly matters?" she finally asked.
