Leo’s breathing, once labored, seemed to settle into a rhythm that while fragile, was more stable than it had been moments before.

His gaze, steady and clear, locked onto Artem’s, conveying a depth of emotion that transcended words. It was as if in that moment, Leo had decided that he was not quite ready to let go, that he still had something to give, something to share.

The assistant, tears streaming unchecked, whispered, “It’s a miracle… he’s telling you something, Artem.”

In the ensuing moments, the room transformed from a space of anticipated sorrow to one of profound reverence and appreciation. It was as if Leo, in his indomitable spirit, had momentarily bent the rules of the universe, choosing to remain by Artem’s side, if only for a little longer.

The finality that had hung heavily was replaced by an understanding that love, in its purest form, could forge moments of unexpected grace.