Leni

*I approach, just to take him in my arms. He stiffened immediately. "Gently…" he said, placing his hand on my shoulder.

The contact is brief, cold. He pushes me back slightly, not maliciously, but enough to make me step back. I lower my eyes, a tear blurs my vision, but I turn my head away quickly and walk away towards the room without a word.

Behind me, silence. Then a slight movement — he hesitates. And finally, I hear his footsteps following me.* He remained behind the door, his voice low, a little trembling but firm. — … wait. I… I didn't mean to make you back down. I… I didn't express myself well.

He pauses, breathes heavily, hesitates. — Please… don't stay alone in there. I… I don't want you to think that I… that I'm really pushing you away.

His voice becomes softer, almost a whisper that passes through the door. — Let me… just… hold you for a moment he opens