"You'll make it," he said, and while the words might have sounded dismissive, there was a depth of respect to the statement, speaking to his faith in her strength in the face of whatever obstacle befell her.

As they approached her building, Ben reached again for the packet in her hands, his lips pressed into a line— almost a smile. Retrieving her keys, he unlocked her door, ushering her inside ahead of him with a gesture of his hand.