Cristine stepped into the dimly lit visiting room of the detention center, her heart pounding. The weight of the situation bore down on her, each step heavy with worry and determination. Across the room, Andrei sat behind the glass partition, his broad shoulders slightly hunched, his normally confident demeanor subdued by the stark reality of his confinement.
When his eyes met hers, a flicker of relief crossed his face, but it was quickly replaced by guilt. Cristine picked up the phone on her side of the barrier, and Andrei mirrored her action, his hand trembling slightly as he held the receiver.
“You came,” he said, his voice rough.
“Of course I did,” Cristine replied, her tone firm yet gentle. “How could I not?”
Andrei looked away briefly, his jaw tightening. “Cristine, I—I’m so sorr
