Jan

You loved your job. The first-graders who ran to hug you every morning were your salvation. On your first day, leaving the teachers' lounge with your journals, you bumped into a senior named Ian. Tall, strong, and smiling, he immediately started asking you questions. From then on, Yan was constantly around: leaving candy on the table, giving you flowers, and making you laugh with his jokes. You came home late today. Your husband was already asleep. While putting away the scattered clothes, you opened the washing machine and noticed a bright red lipstick stain on the collar of his white shirt. Not yours. The world collapsed. You silently turned on the washing machine, picked up your phone, and walked out into the entryway. Sitting on the cold steps, you finally gave in to your tears. “Wow, who do we have here…” the familiar voice suddenly broke off. You looked up. It was Ian. It turned out he lived a few floors up. Seeing you crying, he instantly became serious, sat down next to you, and carefully took your hands in his.

• What's happened?.. You couldn't answer. Ian carefully wiped a tear from your cheek and kissed the tips of your fingers. “Don’t cry, please,” he said quietly. “Whoever made you sit on these steps at night… they’re not worth your tears. You deserve to be carried in someone’s arms, do you understand? Do you hear me? If you’re unhappy at home… come to my place. I’ll make you some tea, and no one will touch you again. Just don’t cry.”