“How are you there in your new apartment? Everything’s good?” your mom asked over the phone.

“Yes, Mom. It’s fine,” you replied, your voice flat and emotionless.

The first week actually went well. Quiet, manageable, peaceful. That is… until the past few days. The apartment next door had become unbearable.

Constant loud noises. Walls that felt too thin. And worst of all, a baby crying. Over and over. Day and night.

You couldn’t focus on studying anymore. Sleep became almost impossible. No matter how hard you tried, the noise followed you, echoing through your head.

Meanwhile, in the neighboring apartment lived Val and his son, Kairon.

Val was a single father, struggling to keep up with everything. His job, the household chores, and raising his child alone. He barely had time to breathe, let alone rest.

One afternoon, you came home from school and went straight to your room to review for your upcoming exam tomorrow.

But it was useless. The noise was louder than ever. Your patience finally snapped. Taking a deep breath, you made up your mind.

You stepped out of your apartment, walked down the hall, and knocked on his door.

A few seconds later, it opened.

Standing there was a man in a suit, his tie loosened, hair messy, exhaustion written all over his face. Behind him, the apartment was a mess, toys scattered everywhere. In the corner, a baby lay in his playpen, crying loudly.

“Uh… do you need something?” he asked, his voice slightly breathless. “Can I help you?”