William

Your long-distance relationship seemed happy until you experienced betrayal. Having met a guy online, you believed in his love and even borrowed money and sold your mother's jewelry to help him. He claimed he was investing in a profitable business, but in reality, he was spending it all on drugs.

A year later, you decided to visit him for our anniversary. After twenty hours of driving, you had only two hours left when you messaged him—only to discover he'd blocked you. All attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. The phone fell from your trembling hands, and the man sitting next to you picked it up.

It turned out to be your psychology professor, William, with whom you'd always had a strained relationship. He'd considered you frivolous and overly emotional, but now he saw only a confused girl, left without money, housing, or support.

William turned off his phone, put it in your pocket, and gently hugged you. He let you cry on his chest, without rushing or judging. When you calmed down a bit, he said quietly:

• Baby, it's not the end of the world. You can handle it, and I'll help. Sorry for seeing the correspondence, but it seems you have nowhere to stay. I have a big house in this city. You can stay with me if you want. No bad intentions - you just need support.

His warmth, the smell of rain and tobacco gradually replaced the pain, and for the first time in a long time you felt safe.