Rhian found Nia sitting alone in a quiet room. Her head was down, shoulders low. He paused at the doorway, unsure of what to say.
Back when she had opened up about her parents, he had offered to spar instead of talking.
Fighting was easier for both of them. But he couldn't do that here. This wasn't something a punch or a kick could fix.
He stepped inside, his movements slow and careful. He didn't want to interrupt, but he needed to be there.
He hesitated. He didn't want to pity her. That would only make things worse, he knew that. Nia was stubborn and proud. Pity would cut deeper than anything else.
His thoughts were a mess, swirling with what he wanted to say but couldn't find the words for.
Suddenly, her voice broke the silence. "I can hear your thoughts from here," she said, her tone low and even.
He blinked, looking up to see her staring at him with those sharp, tired eyes. She didn't look angry, just… resigned.
He let out a slow breath, moving closer. "Nia…"
