Layla's smile faded slightly as she placed the cup on the table. Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.
"That's… a long time, Karl. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
Karl nodded calmly, trying to reassure her. "I'll be fine. This isn't new to me." He forced a small smile, though the exhaustion in his eyes was hard to hide.
As time passed, they had grown closer, and Layla had become more open—until it was time for Karl to leave for work.
Layla bit her lip, her fingers gripping the ceramic cup tightly. "Will you really be okay?"
"Of course," Karl replied firmly but gently. "Just focus on resting and recovering, Layla. You don't need to worry about me."
Silence hung between them. Layla's lips trembled as if she wanted to argue, but in the end, she just nodded quietly.
Karl finished the water in his glass and grabbed his jacket. As he was about to step out the door, Layla called him softly.
"Karl… be careful out there."
