Angelo stared at the brochure for a long moment.
Then he looked at Maria.
"So… my guardian angel, who fought so hard to pull me out of that world, now wants to send me back. For money."
His tone was light.
Maria stiffened. "It's not like that—"
He chuckled softly. "Relax. I'm joking."
She exhaled.
"I suppose you think I'm ready," he continued. "Ready to close that chapter properly. The interview's a clean way to do it."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yes." He held her gaze. "I'm not that kid anymore. Chess is what matters now."
A brief pause.
"That game… doesn't."
Maria studied him, searching for something in his face.
"I love you," she said quietly. "Whatever you decide, I'm with you."
"Call them tomorrow," he replied. "Half the payment upfront. Interview here. Switzerland."
She nodded.
They finished their tea. Washed the dishes.
Hugged.
In his room, Angelo locked the door.
He dragged a chair to the wardrobe and took down a dark-blue box from the top shelf.
Inside lay a flash drive engraved in silver:
Life Without End.
And beside it — the old virtual visor.
Five years untouched.
He held the drive longer than he meant to.
"I let you go," he whispered. "Why can't you do the same?"
He didn't put it back immediately.
After a moment, he closed the box.
Turned off the light.
Lay in the dark.
Eyes open.
Sleep didn't come.