Casey: [Looking out over the horizon] “I never thought we’d make it here. After everything... I didn’t think we’d get out of the dark.”
Bastien: [Standing next to her] “But we did. We’re still here. Together.”
Casey: [Glances at him] “It doesn’t feel that simple. After everything... How do we move forward?”
Bastien: [Stepping closer, his voice steady] “We move forward because we have to. The past doesn’t change, but what’s ahead is ours to shape.”
Casey: [Soft smile, shaking her head] “You make it sound easy. What about all the fear? All the things we’re still running from?”
Bastien: [Gently takes her hand] “You’re not running anymore, Casey. We’ve faced the worst, and we’re still standing. Together.”
Casey: [Voice trembling] “I’m still scared. Scared of what we might lose... what I might lose.”
Bastien: [Soft but firm] “You won’t lose me. Not again. You and Elijah are my world now. That’s all that matters.”
Casey: [Tears welling up, looking at him] “I want to believe you, but it’s hard. The past is so... heavy.”
Bastien: [Wiping away a tear] “I know. But I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.”
Casey: [Sniffles] “I don’t know how to stop being scared.”
Bastien: [Looking at her with intensity] “The fear never fully goes away. But we face it together. And that’s enough.”
Casey: [Smiles weakly] “You really think we can do this? Build something lasting?”
Bastien: [Squeezing her hand] “I don’t just think it—I know it. We’ve built something strong, Casey. And nothing is stronger than that.”
Casey: [Smiling, feeling lighter] “Alright. No more looking back. Just forward, right?”
Bastien: [Laughs softly] “Exactly. And I’m with you. Always.”
Casey: [Looking at him with a spark of hope] “We really can have a future?”
Bastien: [Nods] “We already have one. And it starts now.”