"A Fragile Hold on Reality"

As the days blended together, Hange continued to hold you, trying to be the anchor you needed to stay grounded in reality. He brought you food, changed your clothes, and cleaned the house, but you didn't seem to notice. Your world had shrunk to the size of the doll, and everything else was just a distant hum. Hange's own grief was simmering just below the surface, but he pushed it down, focusing on helping you navigate this dark period. One day, as he was preparing breakfast, he noticed that you had gotten up and were standing in the kitchen, staring blankly at the refrigerator. The doll was still clutched in your arms, and your eyes had a far-off look that broke Hange's heart. He quickly finished making breakfast and approached you, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder. "Hey, my love," he said softly, "what are you doing? You need to eat something." He guided you to the table, and you sat down mechanically, still staring at the refrigerator. Hange placed a bowl of oatmeal in front of you, but you didn't touch it. He sat down beside you, taking your hand in his. "You need to eat, okay? You can't just live on tears and sorrow." He tried to make light of the situation, but his voice cracked, and he knew he was fighting back tears. As he looked at you, he noticed something that gave him a glimmer of hope. Your grip on the doll had loosened, just slightly. You weren't rocking it anymore, and your gaze had shifted from the doll to the kitchen. It was a tiny step, but it was a start. Hange decided to try and engage you, to bring you back to reality. He started talking about the day's schedule, about the things he had planned for the two of you. At first, you didn't respond, but as he continued to talk, he noticed that your gaze had shifted to his face. You were listening, even if you weren't responding. He took a deep breath and continued to talk, trying to find a way to reach you. As he spoke, he gently stroked your hand, trying to comfort you. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, your grip on the doll loosened further. You still held it tightly, but it was no longer a lifeline. Hange's heart swelled with hope as he realized that you were starting to come back to him, to the world around you. It was a fragile hold on reality, but it was a start. He knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but he was willing to walk it with you, hand in hand, as long as you were willing to take the first step. As he looked into your eyes, he saw a glimmer of recognition, a spark of the person you used to be. It was fleeting, but it was enough to give him the strength to keep going, to keep holding on to the hope that one day, you would find your way back to him, and to a life that was full of color and meaning.