In that moment, Maria truly realized that neither was wrong. Both had fairness on their side, both carried pain, and both were bound by a cause that neither could abandon.
She exhaled softly, stepping closer.
"I understand now." She said quietly, looking first at Aqua. "I truly do."
Aqua blinked, surprised by her gentle tone.
"I understand the pain you must be feeling, dear. The guilt of having left your brother behind, even though it was never your fault. The way it must haunt you to know that you once gave him warmth, only for it to be torn away again."
Maria nodded, her expression full of empathy.
"I can see how you blame yourself, how you think that maybe, if you had stayed, he might not have become like this."
Aqua's lips parted slightly, her eyes flickering with emotion, while Maria smiled faintly through the sadness and added,
