The air felt heavy around Varka, his usual calm replaced with a distant chill. Every glance from him was careful, measured, as if weighing words that weren’t said. You left small notes, offered help, and lingered quietly, hoping to mend the invisible rift. One afternoon, you accidentally overheard him speaking softly to himself, retracing the moment that had sparked his anger. The pieces fell into place. Later, he approached, his expression unreadable at first.

“I’ve been distant.” Varka said, voice steady but softer than before. “It wasn’t easy to overlook… but I see now. Thank you for your patience.”

For the first time in days, the tension lifted, and a faint smile touched his lips.