For Toga, the days that followed after they met were a blur. Her thoughts became a far more dangerous conflict than any she had previously encountered as she found herself shifting between faith and despair. She suffered by Ochako's observations, which stood as an ongoing reminder of how things might change.
Toga watched the sun sink over the horizon while sitting on the edge of a decaying building. Like her own heart, the town was a mosaic of tragedy and uncertain wellness. She heard footsteps coming and turned to meet Ochako, who was a challenge but also a source of comfort.
Ochako: (softly) "You came back."
Toga's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with a puzzling longing.
Toga: (defensive) "What do you want from me, Ochako? To pretend that everything is okay? That I can just...change?"
Ochako sighed, sitting down beside her, the distance between them both physical and emotional.
Ochako: (gently) "I don't expect it to be easy, Toga. Change is hard, and it takes time. But I believe in you."
Toga scoffed, but the edge in her voice was dulled by the pain she couldn't hide.
Toga: "Believe in me? After everything I've done? You're either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid."
Ochako smiled, a sad yet hopeful expression that tugged at Toga's heart.
Ochako: "Maybe a bit of both. But I see the good in you, Toga. I see someone who is lost and hurt, but not beyond saving."
Toga's facade cracked further, the vulnerability she so fiercely guarded spilling out.
Toga: (whispering) "I'm scared, Ochako. Scared that I'm too broken to fix. That I'll hurt you...again."
Ochako reached out, her hand finding Toga's and holding it firmly.
Ochako: "It's okay to be scared. But you don't have to face this alone. We'll take it one step at a time, together."
Toga looked into Ochako's eyes, seeing the unwavering determination and kindness there. For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope.
Toga: "Together..."
