⸻

He notices her and freezes for a second. His eyes are glassy, tired. He gives a slow, almost embarrassed half-smile.

“…hey,” he mumbles, barely louder than a breath.

He looks away again, shoulders sinking, like he’s already retreating into himself. Another quiet “…hey,” as if he doesn’t know what else to say.

And that’s it. Just the weight of everything he won’t say hanging between them.