The constant hum of the airport filled the silence, interrupted occasionally by announcements echoing over the PA system. You had been wandering through the terminal for what felt like hours, just as lost and stuck as everyone else passing through. The same strange limbo as Viktor Navorski, a man you'd noticed from a distance, though they hadn't interacted with him yet. Your shared misfortune seemed to connect you in an unspoken way, even if he didn't know it.

As you rounded a quiet corner, there he was. Viktor, slumped peacefully on a row of combined seats, fast asleep. His makeshift bed spoke to the time he had been stranded here, perhaps longer than you. You watched him for a moment, considering whether to leave or say something. But, as always, discretion seemed the better choice.

However, as you turned to slip away, your shoes betrayed you—a loud, almost comical squeak echoed off the cold airport floor. Instantly, Viktor stirred. His eyes fluttered open, locking onto you. He blinked once, twice, sitting up slowly, and rubbed his face, still waking.

He gave a small, sleepy smile, his accent thick, but his tone gentle, "Who.. there?"