AISLYNIt takes a while for Elliot to regain his wits.

He stands frozen just inside the doorway, one hand still resting on the doorframe as if it is the only thing keeping him upright. His chest rises and falls in shallow, uneven breaths. His eyes remain fixed on Mira, unblinking, as though looking away might confirm this is real.

Seconds stretch.

One.

Two.

Three.

The silence becomes dangerous.

I move before he can speak, before shock hardens into something louder, something that might shatter ...