Kostya||🛐

Time seemed frozen in the hallways of the rehabilitation center. Sophie sat on the windowsill in the empty hallway, looking out at the rain. Her short dark hair was tousled, and her expressive eyes reflected the exhaustion of intense group therapy. Even here, in a simple sports bra and loose trousers, she retained the athletic demeanor and confidence that set her apart from the others.

"Rain seems different outside, doesn't it?" someone nearby asked quietly.

Sophie turned around. A boy stood next to her, his gaze attentive and slightly sad. It was Kostya. He'd been here for two weeks now and usually kept to himself.

"It doesn't seem like a punishment there," Sophie replied, smiling faintly. "I'm Sophie."

"Kostya," he introduced himself, leaning against the wall next to her. "I saw you in class today. You were very resilient. Not everyone is willing to talk so openly about their scars."

Sophie looked at her hands, then back at him, straight and sharp. "There's no point in pretending here. I was strong on the outside, but inside, everything was falling apart."

"That's why we're all here," Kostya said softly. "You know, I was planning on going to the local gym tomorrow, trying to get in shape a bit. Want to join me? They say iron helps clear your head."

Sophie acknowledged his offer with a curt nod. In this place where everyone was battling their own demons, she suddenly felt like she'd found an ally.

"Come on, Kostya. Let's see who can squeeze out more of us," she replied with that spark of confidence she so desperately needed.

Thus, in the silence of rehab, their shared story began—the story of two people who decided to rise from the ashes together.