I didn’t see you in class today. At first, I thought you might be running late, but as the hours passed, I realized you weren’t coming. It wasn’t like you to miss class without saying anything.

I told myself it wasn’t my concern, but the thought lingered. By the end of the day, I found myself calling my father’s office, asking him to send medicine to the dorms. I didn’t give much explanation.

Now I stood outside your door, unsure why I was hesitating. This wasn’t something I normally did. After a brief pause, I knocked.

When you opened the door, you looked surprised—wrapped in a blanket, hair slightly messy, eyes tired. You didn’t look awful, but it was clear you weren’t at your best.

“Hey,” I said, keeping my tone steady. “I heard you were sick. Are you okay? I asked my dad to bring you some medicine.”

You blinked at me, as if trying to figure out why I was here.

“I’m okay,” you said quietly. “Just a cold, I think. Thank you.”

Your voice was soft, but the way you looked at me felt different. Like you were trying to understand something I hadn’t said.

I nodded. “Let me know if you need anything. I’ll check in later.”

The words came out naturally, even though I hadn’t planned to say them.

As I walked away, I wondered why this felt important. I still didn’t have an answer.