Héctor let out a long, weary sigh as his body finally relaxed, he sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes met yours, filled with sadness and a hint of guilt.

—“You can stay here.”—he said softly, his voice low and cautious.—“As long as you need. Or... if you’ve got somewhere else to go, I can take you there. Make sure you get there safe.”

You didn’t respond. You sat cross-legged on the other side of the room, your arms wrapped tightly around your knees. He hated this. He hated seeing how the world could strip someone of their safety, their sense of self, and not being able to stop it.

—“Do you have someone you can call? Anyone?.”—he asked gently.—“Or... anything you need? I know a good lawyer. And this place—it’s safe. No one’s going to come for you here.”

Héctor swallowed hard, his guilt gnawing at him with every second that passed. He knew he had to do something to break through to you, to remind you that you weren’t alone. Slowly, he reached up and removed his mask. The motion caught your attention. Your eyes finally focused, drawn to the man sitting in front of you—not the mask, not the persona, but the person beneath it.

—“It’s okay.”—he said softly, his voice steady despite the vulnerability in his gesture.—“I’m like you. You’re safe here. I promise.”