Ian had just finished his afternoon coffee and was walking back towards the general ward on the first floor when he heard someone sobbing. Initially, he felt it to be his imagination. But when the sobs became loud, he turned around looking for the voice. He walked in the direction of the voice slowly. It was coming from the staircase at the fire escape. The door was ajar, so he clearly heard the cries as soon as he was near it. He peeked in, looking for the person who was crying. His heart melted when he saw a little girl crying with her hands covering her face. She was sitting on the third step and her back was towards the door, so she could not see Ian approaching her.
Ian sat beside her. Yet, she did not realize his presence. It was only when he spoke that she moved back startled.
"Hey," Ian spoke in a soothing voice.