His outburst was suddenly silenced.


He watched her stand calmly in the corner, where he had threatened her.. She was filled with hope while he raged , battling his eternal ally: his mind. He was struggled in a fight he deep down knew from the start is was a lost cause. Because he understood that he… couldn’t defeat fate.


<< You are safe…>> A-01 whispered and walked toward him, extending her hand to his. Her fingers gently touched his. An ethereal energy surged between them.. Something so simple yet with immense power : touch. Full of compassion, it brought color to the darkest heart.


A breeze of calmness flowed from her to him. His dark side collapsed in seconds like dust. He felt his shoulders lighten, and something invisible yet heavy within his chest sprang to life again. It was as if his soul had taken shape, joyfully leaping because Tom had consciously decided to let go.


<< I… can’t .. fight what I feel..>> he said and moved closer to A-01 with intensity. Accepting something he felt for the first time, something indescribable, he touched her face and lost himself in the white of her eyes. << I am sorry… I’m so sorry..>> he whispered, stroking her cheek. Her scent softened his heart even more.


<< Tom, I know you ‘ ve had it hard, but I am here. And I can help you see the truth…>> A-01 replied, running her fingers through his blond curls. << What people have done to your mind is terrible.. and I promise you I’ ll rid you of it >> .


Their lips were so close to each other, yet both remained still. A kiss would illuminate him entirely. His rage had been replaced with passion. Passion for her, a feeling he knew she also shared… so why were they both frozen?


"What kind of question is that, Tom ? You just tried to kill her.." the voice inside him answered , and a small, embarrassed laugh escaped his lips.


He hugged her tightly. And A-01 kissed his head, overtaken by serenity. The tension of the moment transformed in minutes into a moment of repentance and acceptance.


<< But first, let’s tend to these wounds..>> A-01 said while looking at his hand.


The only shame Tom felt was about his lack of discipline , the suspicion and denial that led him to expressions of paranoia and unforgivable acts. Yet A-01 understood him. For a moment, he was sick, but the wild beast inside him turned into an traumatized creature that found peace through hope and warmth. That was it. He quietly buried his old self and began accepting fully his new emotions..


Even though he didn’t think that he could ever forgive himself for his actions and thoughts against A-01.