Layla froze in place when she heard that name come out of Karl's mouth. The dim light from a small lamp in the corner cast shadows across her face, making her expression even more somber.
"Zoey…" Layla repeated the name softly, her voice trembling just a bit.
Karl looked at her intently. "Layla, I know this is tough for you. Zoey is one of the people who used to slander you, and I don't want you to feel uncomfortable there. But I promise, I'll always be by your side. I won't let anything happen to you."
Layla looked down, her hands gripping the edges of her oversized shirt. "I… I'll be fine, Karl. I can act normal. I need this job, and… I don't want to keep running away from my past."
Karl let out a relieved sigh at the determination in Layla's voice, but he could still see the heavy burden haunting her. He stepped closer and gently placed his hand on Layla's shoulder.
"If anyone bothers you, just tell me. Don't keep it to yourself, Layla."
