THE LEGEND OF THE ARACHNID

SHADOW REFUGE

After a long day filled with tension and uncertainties, Grim is at the end of his nerves, but he refuses to admit it. It is Lorry, with his protective attitude, who offers that Vera accompanies Grim to rest a little. Grim, obstinate and proud, first rejects the suggestion, arguing that he does not need rest. Stanley intervenes, followed by Vera who, by her calm and her sweetness, ends up breaking her resistance. Finally, exhausted and sustainable, Grim accepts. Vera brings him a plate of food to ease her mind, the two isolate themselves in a small room, away from the other members of the gang, and an intimate moment begins to forge between them.

Dialogue scene

Vera puts the plate in front of Grim and sits next to him, in a respectful silence, while he fixes the food without moving. The light of the lamp flickers, projecting dancing shadows on their faces, creating a soft and intimate atmosphere.

Vera: (slowly) "Grim, you know ... You can lower your guard, at least for tonight. You don't have to wear everything yourself."

Grim, surprised by this attention, remains silent. He tries to hide his disorder with a mocking smile.

Grim: (by shrugging my shoulders) "I don't wear anything insurmountable. And then, someone must be awake to avoid filled blows ..."

Vera: (by taking her hand) "Even the strongest ends up exhausting, Grim. Look around you. Stanley, Lorry, and all the others ... We are there, with you. You are not alone. ""

Grim lowers his eyes, disturbed by the sweetness and heat of Vera's hand. Their eyes meet, and he seems briefly destabilized, as if for the first time, someone perceived what he tried so desperately to hide.

Grim: (in a hoarse voice) "You really think you know me, Vera? Everything I saw, everything I lost ... No one understands."

Vera: (soothing) "Maybe I don't understand everything, Grim. But I know what it is to lose ... to lose people, dreams, and even yourself, sometimes."

Silence is settling in. Grim, touched, does not find the words. Vera looks at him, determined to unravel the shell of this injured man.

Vera: "Why do you inflict this solitude? We are there for you, Grim. Stanley, me ... Even Lorry, although he has his particular way of showing his attachment. We would be ready to follow you anywhere."

To these words, Grim feels a new warmth invading it. He, who has always advocated loyalty without ever having really felt it, begins to let go.

Grim: (hesitant) "Sometimes I have the impression that if I stop ... If I really stop, everything I have become will end up catching up."

Vera fixes it with a gentle and reassuring intensity. She deposits a comforting hand on her shoulder and whispers:

Vera: "I'll be there to catch up, Grim. We will all be there."

At that time, Grim lets himself be invaded by this sincerity that he has not felt for a long time. The tension evaporates, and for the first time, it feels a little peace. Fatigue finally takes over, and it gets longer, reassured by the presence of Vera by his side. She stays there, watching over him, until he falls asleep, his face appeased.

This moment of intimacy, this rare openness, suggests the birth of confidence, perhaps of an emerging love.