91. You Have to Come Back to Me

Rima’s POV

As the standoff between the doctor and me continues, Diana intervenes with a soft "Wait" She turns to me, her face a mask of concern and gentle reprimand "You don't need to do this" she says, her voice fervent but quiet.

"Enduring this pain won't absolve you of whatever guilt you're feeling. It won't change what happened. All it's going to do is hurt you"

Her words ring in the silence of the room, but I remain rigid, my jaw set. I want to argue, to tell her she doesn't understand, but the words won't come. Instead, I just shake my head, a silent refusal of her plea.

"Please" she insists, her gaze never leaving mine "Don't do this to yourself. It won't help. It won't bring you peace. It'll only add to your pain"

I can hear the desperation in her voice, see the worry in her eyes, but I can't bring myself to relent. The guilt is too heavy, the need for punishment too great. But even as I steel myself for the pain, a part of me is touched by her concern, her determination to pr