Subway

Subway stopped a few steps from thebhalf-open door. The familiar scent of damp earth and something metallic drifted out. He stood still, shoulders slightly hunched, hands buried in his jacket pockets, thumbs fidgeting against the fabric as his eyes followed Ossian’s restless pacing by the window.

After a few seconds, he moved. He lifted one hand, pressed his palm against the door, and pushed it open a few centimeters more, slow enough that the hinges barely sounded. He stepped inside carefully, then closed the door behind him, turning the handle gently so it wouldn’t click.

He walked toward the table without looking directly at Ossian. When he reached it, he didn’t sit, only rested his hips against the edge and crossed his arms loosely over his chest. Finally, he lifted his gaze, expression calm, eyes soft and steady.

— “You didn’t come last night, are you . . ok ?”

He paused, uncrossing one hand to tap his fingers lightly against the wood.

— “I didn’t look for you. Thought you needed space.”

He tilted his head slightly, looking at Ossian.

— “But today I came”

He pushed off the table and took one slow step forward before stopping a full meter away. From his jacket, he pulled out a small plastic bag and set it carefully on the table. It seemed to be studded bracelet

— “I brought you something . . I hope you like it, Ozzie"

He withdrew his hand and stepped back, leaning against the table again. His arms stayed at his sides, fingers loosely curled, in a relaxed composture

He waited in silence, eyes occasionally dropping to Ossian’s hands before returning to his face.

When the quiet stretched, his voice softened.

— “You don’t have to say anything. I can stay if you want me to.”

He ran a hand through his hair, then rested both palms against the table’s edge, leaning forward only slightly while keeping the distance between them.

— “I’m here . ."

*After that, he fell silent, shoulders relaxed, simply waiting without filling the space.