Sympathy and not love

Maria’s breath hitched as she pulled away from Rene, her eyes wide with confusion and fear. The intensity of his kiss left her reeling, and for a moment, she forgot the heaviness of the situation. Rene’s touch was comforting, grounding her in the reality that, despite everything, she wasn’t alone.

“We’ll figure it out, Maria,” Rene said softly, his fingers gently brushing a stray curl from her face. “I promise you, we’ll find a way to get through this. Together.”

Maria took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart. She nodded, her eyes betraying her with a look of doubt as she looked up at Rene. “Okay,” she whispered. “Together.”

"Let's get you clean up first." Rene stood, offering Maria his hand.

With a faint smile, Maria clasped onto Rene's outstretched arm, allowing him to pull her to her feet. He then guided her to the bathroom. The dim light from the overhead bulb cast a soft glow on their faces, adding warmth to the otherwise cold and sterile atmosphere. He turned on the