The tears had slowed and the silence between them was no longer heavy. Instead, it was filled with quiet understanding as their hearts beat close, the rhythm faint.
Lariette still rested her chin atop Ruediger's head, her arms wrapped securely around him. She could tell his eyes were closed while she gazed at the wall beyond his shoulders.
With every breath he took, the warmth brushed her skin. To her relief, his breathing no longer labored, telling her that the turmoil within him had calmed.
"Eddy, thank you for telling me," Lariette murmured, her fingers brushing through his soft, damp locks, "And thank you for trusting me."
Opening his eyes, Ruediger smiled faintly. He tilted his chin, looking at Lariette whose gaze seemed to anchor him to be here and now instead of losing himself in the ocean of his grief.
"I was worried... you'd despise me once you knew," Ruediger admitted, his voice still hoarse, "But you do not. And... despite it still hurts, I feel lighter."
