Cycle I: Coming on Strong
The Hidden Voice
The Nerve · 24 (v2.00)
THE HOUSE OF ZAN — Zan

“These violent delights have violent ends.”
— Romeo + Juliet

Some pain wants more than an apology.
It needs to be felt by whoever caused it.
Even sincere regret may seem too small.
They say they understand.
Nothing in them appears changed.
Being heard is no longer enough.
The goal has changed.
Relief starts depending on their pain.
Making them hurt can feel fair.
Their suffering looks like proof that yours finally reached them.
Retaliation begins to resemble justice.
It may also preserve the only connection left.
Now they know.
By then, nothing may remain for that knowledge to save.
Sometimes revenge is what grief becomes when being understood matters more than being loved.