Rain slices through the dark sky. The city glows far below. Two figures stand in silhouette: one in a sleek, dark suit with a tattered cape fluttering in the wind; the other in a hooded jacket, eyes searching, heart pounding.

MAYA (early 30s):

(voice shaking)

You said you’d never lie to me, Alex.

ALEX (masked hero):

(silence)

I didn’t mean to. I just… couldn’t risk it.

MAYA:

Risk what? My trust? My life?

(steps forward)

All those times you disappeared, the bruises, the silence—was it always this?

ALEX:

It was always you I was trying to protect.

Maya stares at him. Her breath clouds in the cold air. Alex reaches up slowly. Fingers tremble as he unlatches the mask.

ALEX (CONT’D):

I’m sorry.

He pulls the mask off. His face is tired. Weathered. Familiar.

Maya staggers back half a step, covering her mouth.

MAYA:

…Oh my god.

(she looks him over)

It’s been you this whole time. The Shadow. The one on the news… the one who saved that bus, who pulled me out of the fire—

ALEX:

Every time. And every time I wanted to tell you. But if they found out who I was—who you were…

MAYA:

(soft, angry)

You don’t get to decide what I’m strong enough to handle.

The wind howls. He lowers his eyes. She takes a step closer.

MAYA (CONT’D):

But you’re wrong about one thing.

She reaches out and cups his face.

MAYA (CONT’D):

You weren’t protecting me by hiding. You protect me by letting me in.

A long beat. They stand there, storm all around them, the distance between them finally closed—not just in feet, but in truth.

FADE OUT.