Chapter 16 : Plea
Rylan's perceptive nature caught the flicker of concern on Sarah's face, and his empathetic instincts kicked in. He paused for a moment, studying her expression before gently inquiring, "Hey, Sarah, you're okay? You seem a bit absent minded."
Sarah hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting slightly before she managed a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Oh, it's nothing, really. Just a minor thing that I'm sorting out. Don't worry about it."
Rylan knew that sometimes people needed their space, but he also believed in the value of lending a listening ear. He leaned against the desk, his expression warm and reassuring. "You know, I'm here if you ever want to talk. We're a team, and looking out for each other is what we do."
Sarah's shoulders relaxed slightly, and she appreciated the genuine concern in Rylan's voice. She sighed softly, her fingers tapping against the edge of the tablet in her hand. "Well, I guess it's just a personal matter. Nothing work-related, really. Just something I need to figure out."
'Ahh... I see.' Rylan understood it. Sarah didn't want personal things to be talked about in the middle of the meeting. Rylan thought that Sarah was concerned about her part in the business so he thought he could help her as he was not always in this office.
But Rylan understood that Sarah really wanted to talk to him about her concern. After all, he had knew of her for quite some times now. He understood her inexplicit gestures.
Rylan nodded understandingly. "You know you can count on me, right? Whatever it is, if you ever want to share, I'm here to listen."
She offered him a grateful smile, her guard seeming to lower a bit. "Thanks, Rylan. I appreciate that. I might take you up on that offer some times."
He returned her smile with a nod. "Take your time, Sarah. Remember, we're all in this together, not just as colleagues, but as friends too."
Observing the presence of their coworkers around them, Rylan noticed that Sarah's reluctance to discuss her concerns might be linked to the situations they currently had. The shared glances and occasional curious looks from their colleagues made it clear that the office wasn't the most private space for such conversations.
With a quick understanding glance, Rylan maintained a light tone as he replied, "Alright. Whenever you're ready, you know where to find me. We can chat outside of the office, grab a coffee or something."
Sarah's eyes softened in appreciation as she acknowledged his understanding. "That sounds nice, Mr Yevan. Thanks for being understanding."
He gave her a reassuring smile. "Of course, anytime. We're all here for each other."
That's right, his real life name was Yevan. Rylan was his in game name.
Yevan had chosen the name Rylan for his in-game persona with a very specific purpose in mind. He understood the value of anonymity in the vast gaming world, where countless players roamed with various intentions. By selecting a commonly used name like Rylan, he could blend in more easily among the masses, reducing the chances of him drawing undue attention.
Being inconspicuous had its advantages, especially when he had grand ambitions in the game. However, Yevan knew that just staying lowkey might be a bit boring. After all, the world of gaming was also a realm of creativity and imagination, where players could become whoever they wanted to be.
That's where his alter ego, Straight, came into play. As Straight, he could express himself differently, unleash his potential in a more unconventional manner, and make more obvious progress to the masses because of its natural advantages. Fame was important after all.
The contrast between his two identities allowed him to experience the best of both worlds – one where he could blend in and the other where he could stand out. It was a delicate balance he had carefully crafted to ensure the best kind of interests.
That is why his Unique rarity mask was one of the most valuable thing that he currently possessed. He knew that such item was very, very rare. Even though the attributes were horrendous, the merit was obvious. In some aspect, Yevan believed that this item's value could even contend with Epic ranked item easily. Maybe even legendary...
As expected from a Unique ranked item huh...
Yevan shook his head a little bit and continue to focus on his current task once again. As they went back to their tasks, Rylan respected Sarah's need for privacy in a public setting. He knew that sometimes the right moment for a heart-to-heart conversation was crucial, and he was willing to give her that space until she felt comfortable enough to open up.
As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Rylan was content knowing that he had offered a supportive ear to a friend in need. He believed that the bonds they forged outside of their professional roles were just as important as the work they accomplished together.
...
As the day's work gradually wound down and a sense of calm settled over the office, Sarah seized the opportunity to approach Yevan. She recognized that this was the right moment to open up about her concerns, especially considering Yevan's role as her benefactor. His support had been a lifeline during her times of need, and her colleagues were well aware of the significant role he had played in her life.
"So, what's been bothering you, Sarah?" Yevan's voice was gentle, laced with a genuine concern that had become characteristic of their interactions.
Sarah took a deep breath, her fingers tracing the rim of her coffee cup as if gathering her thoughts. "Yevan, I... I'm facing a financial predicament," she began, her words carefully chosen. "I didn't want to trouble you, but... you've been there for me before, and I'm not sure where else to turn."
Yevan listened intently as Sarah opened up about her current predicament. Her words painted a picture of a woman who had faced the harsh realities of life with immense strength and determination. Sarah was a widow, divorced by her husband and left to care for her two children. Her situation touched a chord within him. The weight of her responsibilities and the financial strain she bore were evident in her voice.
Yevan knew for sure that Sarah wasn't the one who divorced a man in order to take advantage of her 'priviledge' and exploitated the man's money from the child support. After all, the place where the two of them came from was not like that, as the system was not biased toward the man just like some certain place.
Sarah's voice took on a more helpless tone as she broached the topic that had been weighing on her mind. She explained to Yevan that she was facing a significant financial challenge – a debt that had become an urgent matter. Her eyes held a mix of anxiety and vulnerability as she described the situation she found herself in.
Sarah's usually composed demeanor wavered slightly as she talked about the pressure and stress that came with the burden of owing money. Her gratitude for Yevan's previous support was evident, but she hesitated to ask for help again, not wanting to impose on his kindness.
Yevan's expression remained attentive and empathetic as he listened to Sarah's words. He understood the gravity of the situation she was facing, and his heart went out to her. Their friendship had been built on mutual understanding, and he knew that if he could help alleviate her worries, he would do so willingly.
He knew the differences between man and woman after all. In most cases, men are the bread winner. While the mother would take care of the house. At least it was like that in his hometown.
When the man of the house was not there, it would take a simpleton to realize that such family would face hardship.
He was a pretty traditional man. He understood that there were basic differences between men and women and he didn't force the modern idea about it. He was also taught to help people, and he had done what he can on many occasions. Including helping Sarah too.
Yevan's gaze softened as he listened attentively. He knew the gravity of her words, that this was a matter of significance. "You never have to worry about troubling me, Sarah," Yevan said as he leaned on a fence. "I will do what I can do. Tell more about it."
Sarah's eyes met Yevan's, and in that gaze, he could read the gratitude and vulnerability she was feeling. "Thank you, Yevan," she murmured, her voice touched by emotion. "It's just... due to some unforeseen circumstances, now it's become urgent. I don't want to burden you, but I thought you should know... Sorry, I don't know what to do anymore honestly..."
He admired her resilience and the way she had managed to navigate through difficult circumstances. He could sense the vulnerability in her words, the unspoken plea for help that lay beneath her composed exterior. It was clear that her gratitude towards him was not just because of his in-game assistance but also because he had provided her with a lifeline during her darkest times.