Nasya's POV
"If you want to reveal it, I have no objections. If you want to save him, I'll support you too." Matilda pressed her cold, damp nose against my trembling palm in that familiar comforting gesture we'd shared. "Whatever path you select, know that I stand firmly behind you - today and always.".
Looking at Matilda's lowered head and those small wounds on her paws, the numbness deep in my heart softened. The anxiety and confusion of the past few days finally found an outlet in this moment.
"Do you..." My voice cracked as I forced out the vulnerable question. "Do you think this makes me weak? Choosing to help him after everything?"
Matilda shook her head. "No. I think you're already strong enough, Nasya. Not everyone grows up surrounded by love. While I might make different choices than you, I've always been proud that after everything you've endured, you've still kept a kind and forgiving heart. That is your greatest strength, Nasya."
