Gerald gently guided Aubrey into her apartment, closing the door behind them with a soft click. Aubrey walked to the couch with slow, unsteady steps, her head down, refusing to meet his eyes. She hugged her arms tightly around herself, as if trying to keep from falling apart.
Gerald watched her, his heart aching at the sight. Aubrey wasn't the type to break down like this. She was always strong, confident, and full of life. But now, sitting on the couch with her body curled in on itself, she looked small, fragile even. He wasn't used to seeing her like this, and it stirred something deep inside him—something protective, something that made him want to take away all her pain.
He moved closer, sitting beside her, but not too close, giving her space. His hand hovered in the air for a moment before he gently placed it on her shoulder. "Aubrey," he called softly. "What's going on?"
