Late in the night, as the city outside my window settled into a hushed slumber, a heavy sound echoed through the hallways of the apartment building. Startled from my restless sleep, I sat up in bed, the sound reverberating in my ears.
I hesitated for a moment, the confusion and unease that had gripped me over the past few hours flooding back. The sound persisted, growing louder and more urgent.
With a sigh, I slipped out of bed and, shrouded in my robe, shuffled down the hall to my front door. I opened it cautiously, revealing the disheveled and weary figure of Timothy standing outside, attempting to shove his keys in his apartment door.
"Timothy?" I whispered, shock and concern washing over me. He looked like he was ready to fall apart. His disheveled hair, wrinkled clothes, and the di
