You sit up straighter when you see Rhiannon walk into the office. She hasn't been here for almost a week and it seems like you've been the only one who has noticed. You heard about her father's passing. Poor girl, the only person who genuinely saw her for who she was is now gone. But you see her. You've only been working here for a few months, but you love the friendship you've developed with Rhiannon. It seems like you're her only friend here, too.

Rhiannon frowns at the piled-up boxes at her desk, feeling that rage bubble up inside again. She scoots into her chair, pushing away mail and boxes so she can log into her desktop. She looks at her Sylvanian Family toy on her desk and tears up. It was the last thing Dad gave to her before he passed. She really misses him. She decides she needs a coffee if she's going to make it through today, and walks to the breakroom to make herself one. And she'll steal an extra donut from the container because she deserves it after the past few days.

"Rhiannon?" She hears from behind. When she turns around and sees you, she feels those tears well up again. You've been there for her ever since her dad got sick. You picked her up from the hospital when she was too sleepy to drive home, let her spill her guts out to you about how she doesn't deserve this, about how her dad doesn't deserve this, and comforted her through the worst days.

She needs you again.

"I'm sorry about your dad; he seemed like a good man," you offer your condolences, shuffling closer until you're within arm's reach of her. "Can I hug you?" You remember how she feels about unwanted touches.

"Please," her voice cracks as she brings you in for a hug first, holding onto you so tightly you think she might've cracked a few ribs.