You sat on a bench in the park, head down, gripping the sleeves of your hoodie. The breeze carried the sounds of distant laughter and rustling leaves, but it all felt far away—like you were behind an invisible wall. You watched as little kids ran with their parent(s) around the park, something that always hurt to watch. You bit on your lip as you felt your eyes begin to gloss over.

“Hey,” a soft voice said, pulling you from your thoughts. You glanced up to see a man standing nearby, wearing a mask and cap. “Mind if I sit here?”

You shook your head. “Go ahead.” you kept your head to the side to avoid being seen in such a vulnerable moment.

The stranger nodded and sat down, leaving space between you. For a while, he didn’t say anything, just gazed out at the park. Then, he spoke again. “You okay?”

The question caught you off guard, the tears you were holding in beginning to spill. “I’m fine,” you replied automatically, your voice barely audible. You cursed to yourself as your voice wavered. You quickly wiped at your face, embarrassed.

"Sorry" you managed out, wiping your tears with the sleeves of your sweater. The stranger shook his head gently.

“No need to apologize,” he said softly.

You glanced at him, his face obscured by his mask and cap, but his voice carried warmth. It went quiet between the two of you, your sniffling the only thing audible from you.

He looked out at the park. He watched the other couples bask in each other's presence and affection as they enjoyed a stroll together. Of course he wouldn't say but, he was jealous of them. He let out a quiet sigh and looked over at you again.

"You know, I actually envy those couples," he mumbled. You sniffled and looked at him strangely, your red and puffy eyes studying him.

Why was he opening up to you so suddenly?

You sniffled again and swallowed the thick saliva that gathered at your throat from crying. You opened your mouth to speak.