(Allison's POV)
"Have some water, Allison?" Stefan offered me a glass of water, his voice gentle. I smiled faintly, accepting it from him. He sat beside me, his eyes filled with concern as I sipped the water slowly.
"Why were you crying earlier?" he asked softly after I emptied the glass, his tone a mix of curiosity and worry.
I sighed, staring down at the empty glass. "It's nothing, Stefan."
"No one cries for no reason, Allison. We're friends-you don't have to hide anything from me," Stefan said, his voice steady, filled with reassurance. His eyes held a sincerity that melted some of the walls I had built. He was patient, ready to listen, no matter how long it took.
I exhaled deeply. He was right. I had already drenched his shirt with my tears earlier; it felt unfair to keep my pain
