Solace

"I'm sorry". She said, her voice so quiet it was almost swallowed by the breeze.

She shifted slightly, composing herself as she straightened her shoulders. "I didn't mean to worry you."

When she finally turned around, her eyes met his. She wore a practiced smile, small and composed, as if everything was normal.

But her eyes told the truth—red-rimmed and filled with a storm of emotions.

"I'm fine, really". She said lightly, forcing a chuckle. "You didn't have to—"

"Stop". He interrupted, his hands cradling her face. "You're not fine, Leila" .

His thumbs brushed her cheeks gently, his touch tender. "Don't do that. Don't pretend with me, just cry it all out if you want to."