x
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They sat there for a long time, saying nothing.
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The apartment was silent except for the hum of pipes in the walls.
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Lena didn’t look at Marcus. She picked at the fraying seam on her sleeve, eyes red and swollen.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3uPkgwRVy
Marcus kept his hand on her knee, grounding her.
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At some point, she let out a strangled sigh.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡosCGtfCNLF
“I hate this,” she whispered.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntqCe10c77
“I know.”
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsIkGb5BAG
“I hate how weak I feel.”
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiRLFwTMWS
Marcus shook his head. “You’re not weak.”
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEeCF7ASZe
She scoffed, voice cracking. “Look at me.”
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“I am,” he said quietly. “I am looking at you. And I see someone who’s fighting like hell just to stay here.”
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Lena’s throat worked, but no sound came out.
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Marcus squeezed her knee gently.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSB1jUECBU
“You don’t have to pretend with me. Ever.”
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzitbTiPgZ5
She closed her eyes, letting silent tears slide down her face.
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He didn’t flinch or pull away.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQLzWdvdSz
He let her cry.
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A soft knock at the door made them both jump.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H2tFl5ruE
Marcus looked over.
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“Who the hell—”
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“It’s probably Jenna,” Lena mumbled, voice hoarse.
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He got up carefully and opened the door.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3YimphOK3R
Their neighbor Jenna stood in the hall holding a small flashlight.
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“Sorry,” she said in a low voice. “I heard… I just wanted to check. Is everything okay?”
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Marcus hesitated.
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He glanced back at Lena, who sat hunched on the couch, rubbing her eyes.
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“We’re… we’re getting there,” Marcus said.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH74mlvwgZX
Jenna’s expression softened. She looked at Lena.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwLCi12Gdf
“I’m right next door if you need anything,” Jenna said gently. “Even if it’s just someone to sit with you.”
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Lena nodded once. She didn’t trust her voice.
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLB9nMhgW7c
“Thank you,” Marcus said.
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Jenna gave them a sad little smile and backed away down the hall.
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Marcus closed the door and locked it.
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He turned back to Lena.
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“You’re not alone,” he said firmly.
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She sniffed. “I feel alone.”
78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXmcDcs66S
“I know.” He walked back to her and sat down again. “But I’m not leaving.”
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Lena wiped her nose on her sleeve.
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She didn’t argue.
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Didn’t tell him to go.
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Didn’t say thank you, either.
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She just shifted over an inch on the couch.
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Enough space for him to sit closer.
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Marcus took the hint and slid in beside her.
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They sat in the dark together, leaning just enough to feel the other’s warmth.
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Outside, the storm raged on.
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Inside, the quiet was still heavy.
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But it wasn’t empty anymore.
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78Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tWgLJBRO8
AUTHOR’S NOTE
This is the end of “When It Gets Too Quiet.” It’s fictional, but these feelings are real for many people. If you’re struggling, please talk to someone you trust. You matter. You’re not alone. 💛
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