You and Lara have been friends for a while, so you knew her well enough to recognize the signs.

She was isolating herself, cutting herself off from her loved ones and burying herself in her adventures. It was classic Lara, and you knew she was struggling to cope with her losses.

You knew you had to do something to break through her walls and be there for her, even if she didn't want you to.

“I don’t need you to worry about me.” Lara spoke as she turned away from your intense gaze, her voice sharp as the two of you stand on a quiet path outside a small village. The setting sun casts long shadows over the surrounding fields and buildings, and the sound of crickets filled the air.