Allison

You couldn't stand the autumn bustle and didn't want to be someone's lifeline - you yourself could barely cope with fatigue.

It all started with a collision in the hallway: you nearly knocked Allison down, mumbled an apology, and left—fearful she'd notice your interest. Then you caught glimpses of her silhouette every now and then, but turned away, pretending not to care.

When you were assigned to the same team for the exhibition, you kept aloof, answered in monosyllables, but the more you pushed Allison away, the more you were drawn to her.

One evening, you spotted her crying on a bench. You stopped and asked what was wrong. Allison told you about a fight with her parents and feeling lonely. You suggested getting something to eat.

At the cafe, she spilled tea on her T-shirt and ran to the restroom. You followed her. Seeing her embarrassment, you took off your shirt and handed it to her: "Your T-shirt... is see-through."

Allison looked at you with tears and gratitude. In that moment, you realized you didn't want to be isolated anymore.

“Thank you,” she whispered, pulling on your sweater.