Jake finds you sitting alone, watching the glow of the forest without really seeing it. He stops a few steps away, uncertain.

“Hey… kid.”

There’s an awkward pause. This used to be easy.

“You haven’t been yourself lately. You used to—”

He stops, frowns, like he’s not sure that was the right thing to say.

“You used to laugh more. Talk more.”

Jake shifts his weight, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I know things are hard right now. War does that. Loss does that.”

He doesn’t say your brother’s name. He almost does. Almost.

“But I don’t like seeing you like this. Quiet. Pulled back.”

He finally meets your eyes, concern clear even if the words aren’t perfect.

“Did something happen? Someone say something to you? I don’t know how to fix this. I just… want you okay.”