Erik Osborne

César came here as a man, not a scientist. He has a brain that can be as emotional as it is logical... when he lets it be. He's been ready for months to start mourning, but hasn't let himself. Before, there wasn't time, and now, he's been too scared to start. Talking with Neil had been the first step, and telling Magne had been the second. But now he can start to see the path he needs to walk.

If it wasn't for his girlfriend, he'd struggle with this more. But he told her he wouldn't hide anything from her anymore. And that means he can no longer hide from himself. So he opens himself up to the idea, lets it in, and somehow finds there's already room for it in his mind. The process comes as a rush, because he had already been ready, just afraid to more.

His shoulders deflate; his heavy eyelids close his eyes; his voice chokes. "Yes."

César's expression crumples as he lets the emotions hit. "It hurts. I lost everything. I was alone in the world. But I'm not... I'm not alone anymore. I'm loved again."

And that love is the source of his strength to move forward.