He hesitated, his gaze searching hers. For a fleeting moment, she caught a glimpse of vulnerability in his eyes, a crack in his carefully constructed façade. “In its own way,” he said quietly.

Before she could probe further, the elevator jolted slightly, halting at the next floor. The doors slid open, and an elderly man stepped in, offering them a polite nod.

Juniper moved slightly closer to Daniel to make room, the small space forcing them into close proximity. She shifted to make room, and the elderly man cheerfully discussed the weather. The mundane conversation broke the spell, and Juniper felt her pulse begin to slow. Thank god, she thought. I was losing it.