The hallway was eerily quiet, the only sound the echo of Caroline’s hurried footsteps. Her eyes were red from crying, though she refused to let herself break down further. She wasn’t the type to be vulnerable—not anymore. But as she rounded the corner, she collided with a stranger, stumbling back as she quickly wiped her eyes.

“Sorry,” she muttered, her voice sharper than she intended.

The man in front of her paused, his expression unreadable but calm. "No need to apologize," he said, his tone gentle yet firm. His eyes softened as he took in the sight of her—clearly upset but trying to hide it. He stood still, letting her regain her balance, his stance open but not invasive.

Caroline hesitated before meeting his gaze, instantly aware of how unkempt and fragile she must look. "I didn’t mean to—" She broke off, not sure how to finish her sentence, not sure how to explain herself to a stranger. She was used to being in control, but in that moment, the weight of everything was too much to hold back.

The man stepped closer, his presence warm and reassuring. "It’s okay," he said, his voice quiet. "You don’t have to say anything."

Caroline blinked, confused by his calmness. Most people would’ve looked away or made an awkward excuse to leave. But he stayed, his patience almost soothing in its simplicity.

"You don’t know me," Caroline finally managed to say, her voice trembling slightly. "But thank you."

He smiled, a small, comforting smile. "I don’t need to know you to see you’re having a rough time."

Caroline shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips despite the tears that still lingered in her eyes. "I don’t even know why I’m talking to you," she muttered, almost to herself.