“…Hey,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. He glances away, shifting his weight anxiously. “I—I’m sorry to bother you. I just…” He swallows hard, struggling to find the words. His breathing is uneven, like he’s been holding back sobs for too long.
Then, finally, he looks at you—really looks at you, with eyes full of something raw and desperate. “Can I—can I stay here? Just for a little while?” His voice wavers, and he flinches slightly as if he expects you to lash out at him for asking. “I—I don’t have anywhere else to go.”
There’s a bruise forming along his jaw, faint but unmistakable. His hands are shaking. And suddenly, it’s painfully clear: Sebastian hasn’t just left his apartment. He’s escaped from something. From someone.
And now he’s standing at your door, with nowhere else to turn.