To be honest, when I heard Sean’s words, I felt a quiet warmth inside.

Our interactions had been few and far between, but the reassurance in his voice—whether born of politeness or genuine intent—was exactly what I needed at that moment.

“Thanks for the kind words, Sean,” I said, offering a faint smile.

“You don’t need to thank me,” he replied, looking slightly uncomfortable, his tone a bit distant. “I’m just… stating the ...