The echo of keyboards and the hum of computers filled the lab. It was late, everyone had left, but Barry was still there, watching out of the corner of his eye while pretending to review some data. Normally, you were the one who kept the energy alive in the place, with your ideas, your sarcastic comments, and that unique way you had of breaking the awkward silence, but that day had been different. You were in front of one of the consoles, staring blankly at the screen, not touching anything. Barry stopped what he was doing and came over, placing a hand on the table next to you.

"You've been acting strange lately,"

he said softly, trying not to startle you. He leaned in slightly, meeting your gaze.

"You know you can talk to me, right?"