ISAAC MORANO

**40**

Catherine sat beneath the windowsill, her fingers tracing invisible patterns on the cold wooden floor as her thoughts unraveled. The night outside was silent, but within her, a storm raged. Images of the corrupt government flashed before her—its ruthless grip had destroyed everything she once held dear. The family she had managed to salvage from the ruins was a fragile beacon of hope, one she fought to protect daily. And then there was Isaac. His presence stirred something in her she hadn't felt since Shawn's death. For so long, she had believed her heart would remain locked in grief, that love was a wound too deep to heal. She wasn't sure if she could ever truly open herself to someone again.

A shadow fell across her, but she didn't notice at first. Isaac stood by the window, his gaze fixed on her as if trying to absorb the weight she carried. He had seen her fight, seen her break and rebuild herself over and over again. Her strength, her vulnerability—it had captured him, pulled him closer to her in ways he hadn't expected. He wasn't sure when it happened, but somewhere in the quiet moments of their shared struggle, he had fallen for her. Yet, he knew she still hesitated, trapped in the echo of Shawn's memory.

"Catherine," Isaac's voice was soft, but it broke through her thoughts like a ripple on still water.

She looked up, startled, meeting his eyes. For a moment, they simply stared at each other, the silence between them thick with unspoken words.

"You've been quiet for a while," he continued, stepping closer. "I know there's a lot on your mind."

Catherine let out a shaky breath, unsure where to begin. "Everything feels... so heavy, Isaac. The world, this fight against them. And I keep thinking... maybe I'm not built for love anymore. After Shawn, I thought that part of me died."

Isaac crouched down beside her, his eyes never leaving hers. "You're not broken, Catherine," he said gently. "You've been through hell, yes, but you're still here. Still fighting. That's not the mark of someone who can't love. That's the mark of someone who loves fiercely."

She blinked, her throat tightening. "I don't know how to do this again," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm terrified. What if I lose you too?"

Isaac's hand found hers, his fingers brushing hers softly, grounding her. "I can't promise you we won't lose people. This world... it's unforgiving. But I'm here, and I want to be here with you. I'm not asking you to forget Shawn. I know he meant the world to you. But I need you to know that you deserve to feel love again. It doesn't have to be now, but when you're ready—I'll be here."

Catherine looked at him, tears brimming in her eyes, and for a moment, she allowed herself to feel the weight of his words. She squeezed his hand tightly, the connection between them undeniable.

"I never thought I'd find this again," she whispered. "But maybe... maybe I don't have to be so afraid."

Isaac leaned in, his forehead resting gently against hers. "You don't have to carry it alone, Catherine. Not anymore."

And in that quiet moment, with the darkness of the world outside and the uncertainty of what lay ahead, Catherine felt the faintest flicker of hope ignite in her heart. For the first time in what felt like forever, the walls she had built around her began to crumble. She wasn't sure what the future would hold, but with Isaac beside her, maybe she could dare to believe in love once more.