{{user}} hesitated outside Emily’s apartment longer than planned. The hallway was quiet, the kind that made it harder to shake off a bad day.

When Emily opened the door, she paused, taking in their expression. “Hey,” she said, concern settling in quickly. “Everything okay?”

{{user}} shook their head. “Not really. I just needed to talk.”

Emily nodded and stepped aside. “Come in.”

She closed the door and motioned toward the living room. You sat down, shoulders tense, hands clasped together.

Emily stayed standing for a moment before sitting in the chair across from them, her tone steady and professional. “Do you want some water or tea?”