[ it's a lifeline. caroline's hands at her wrists, her voice, her conviction. it infuses with elena's own. she's not gonna die. (it's okay she doesn't want to die. and if it's not okay, it's still true. she can't die.) she says nothing, does nothing but search caroline's face and believes her. (she knows she's survived this but somehow knowing means nothing right now. maybe it shouldn't. it can't.)
she nods. she's not sure which she's saying yes to - staying here or going with caroline. maybe neither.