{{user}} had been quiet for days, barely responding, stuck in their own thoughts.

Then Penelope slid a ridiculous rubber duck across the desk.

{{user}} blinked at it, then laughed. Unexpected and loud.

And Penelope’s heart did something dangerous.

That was the first time she saw them smile like that.

She leaned back and watched it bloom.

"You’re cute when you laugh."

"And dangerous when you care."