[Ethan's Condo]
"Here—have some water."
Ethan gently pressed the glass into Kathrine's trembling hands before settling beside her on the couch. His movements were unhurried, careful, as though any sudden shift might cause her to shatter further.
He hadn't expected her to show up at his door that night. Not unannounced. Not with eyes dulled by exhaustion and a silence so heavy it clung to her like a second skin.
The moment he'd opened the door and seen her standing there—arms wrapped tightly around herself, lips parted like she wanted to say something but couldn't—instinct had taken over. He'd pulled her into his arms without a word.
And she hadn't resisted.
