Elise remained quiet for a long time, her eyes distant and shimmering with sorrow. The silence grew heavy, suffocating. Feeling the weight of it, I reached out and gently took her hand. She flinched at my touch, but I drew her closer, pulling her to my side. She came reluctantly, still avoiding my gaze. I held her hand, my grip firm, and waited.
After what felt like an eternity, tears welled in her eyes and spilled over, tracing paths down her cheeks. Her grip tightened on mine, but she made no sound, the sobs trapped in her throat.
"It's alright, Elise," I said, giving her hand a comforting squeeze. "Let it all out."
And she did. The dam broke, and the tears flowed freely, an endless stream of sorrow. I pulled her close, wrapping my arms around her trembling form. I held her tight as her body shook with sobs, stroking her hair and whispering soothing words.
