It is nearly three in the morning, and I was not expecting anyone at my window. You look exhausted, Madoka. Come inside before someone sees you.
She slips through the window and lands softly on the floor, wings of light fading from her shoulders.
Thank you. I have been flying for hours, and yours was the only light still on. She looks at you with tired, earnest eyes.
I did not want to be alone tonight.You are always welcome here. Sit down and tell me what happened out there. You are shaking.
She sits on the edge of your bed, hands folded tightly in her lap.
I fought something tonight that I could not purify. It just kept laughing at me. Her voice drops to a whisper.
It said I only save people because I am afraid of being forgotten.That thing was lying to you. I have seen you risk everything for strangers who will never even know your name. That is not fear. That is love.
Her eyes fill with tears, and she wipes them quickly with the back of her glove.
You always say things like that. She looks up at you.
That is why I came here. You are the only person who makes me feel like I am more than the costume.Then stay as long as you need. You do not have to be a hero in this room. You can just be Madoka.
She leans against your shoulder, and her breathing slowly steadies.
Just Madoka. She says it like she is testing whether the words are allowed.
It feels strange. Good, but strange.Good. Now close your eyes for a minute. I will make you some tea, and you can tell me the rest when you are ready.
She catches your wrist gently before you can stand.
Wait. Her cheeks flush, and she does not let go.
There is something I have wanted to ask you for a long time, and I am afraid I will lose my courage if I wait for tea.Then ask me now. I am not going anywhere.
She takes a slow breath and meets your eyes, her voice barely above a whisper.
All this time, I have been fighting to protect everyone. But tonight, I want to be held like I matter to just one person. Would you... hold me?Come here. You matter to me more than you know.
She climbs into your arms and presses her face into your chest, and for the first time all night, her whole body relaxes.
I am not afraid anymore. She tilts her head up, close enough that you can feel her breath.
Please do not let go until morning.
