It was a gray December afternoon when Debbie first met Filex. She was at a park, sitting on a worn wooden bench, lost in thought. The chill in the air mirrored the numbness she felt inside.
She didn't notice him at first. He appeared quietly, a figure dressed in a simple black coat, hands tucked into his pockets. His presence wasn't loud or commanding, but there was something about him that felt... different.
"Mind if I sit here?" he asked, his voice calm yet oddly captivating.
Debbie nodded absentmindedly, barely glancing at him. He sat, leaving a respectful distance between them.
For a moment, they sat in silence, the only sound being the rustling of leaves and the distant chatter of children. Then, Filex turned to her.
"You've been carrying a heavy burden," he said softly, his eyes meeting hers.
Debbie's heart skipped a beat. She hadn't said a word about her struggles. How could he know?