action.
[ the guilt hasn't settled yet. (the responsibility has.) she feels it, in her guts, her heart, but it's taking time to reach her thoughts. she simply holds caroline. closes her eyes and rests her head against hers as she cries, lets the shaking of her body absorb into hers. neither of them owe damon anything, and elena knows they never have. caroline pulls away; elena pushes her matted hair back, watches her with watchful concern in her eyes. she moves to get up and help caroline, too. ]