So much like a zombie

She needed to share the weight of her grief.

"It's my dad", she said, her voice quavering. "he's in the hospital, and I'm so scared".

Michaels's expression softened and he took her hand in his. "I'm so sorry to hear that", he said. "What's going on?"

Sarah took a deep breath and began to tell Michael about her father's illness and how she was feeling.

As Sarah told Michael about her father's illness, she felt a strange sense of relief. It was like a weight had been lifted from her shoulder and she could breathe again.

Michael listened intently, nodding and offering a kind word or a sympathetic smile when appropriate.

When she was finished. He took her hand again and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I'm so sorry you are going through this," he said, his brown eyes looking at her gently. "I know it's hard, but just remember that you are not alone".

Michaels's words touched home for Sarah, and she felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. She looked up at him, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Thank you," she said, her voice full of emotion. "It means a lot to have someone to talk to, someone who understands," Sarah said.

Michael gave her a warm smile. "Of course", he said. "Anytime you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you".

Sarah felt a surge of affection for this kind and thoughtful lad. It was clear he truly cared about her and wanted to help in any way he could.

Michael gave Sarah a mischievous grin. "You know, maybe if you get a little more sleep and eat less junk food, you wouldn't look so much like a zombie right now" he teased.

Sarah couldn't help but laugh, despite her heavy heart. "Oh, you're terrible!" She said, playfully smacking his arm.

Michael shrugged, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Someone's gotta keep you in line," he said.

Sarah shook her head, but she couldn't help but feel a little bit better. Maybe things weren't as hopeless as they seemed.

Then he says, " Hey, take this and wipe those tears, it doesn't look good on you. I prefer when you smile and your dimples show" Michael said

Sarah was taken aback by Michaels's unexpected compliment. "My dimple?" She said, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

Michael nodded, a twinkle in his eye. "It's one of your most charming features," he said. "You should smile more often".

Sarah's heart fluttered at his words. It was strange but she felt a little bit lighter, as if a small part of her sadness had been lifted away.

"You know, you are not bad yourself," she said smiling at him

Michael grinned at her response, looking pleased with himself. "Well, it's not my fault I was born this handsome"

Sarah laughed feeling a little more like herself again. It was easy to talk to Michael, and it helped her forget her worries for a moment. She was grateful for his ability to make her smile even when she didn't think it was possible.

"So now that we've established that we're not bad, when my dad is out and feeling better, I'm going to take some time off. Maybe take a vacation, go somewhere to relax and recharge" Sarah said

Michael looked at her thoughtfully. " That sounds like a good idea," he said. "You've been through a lot and you deserve a break".

Sarah smiled "You know, you're a pretty good friend," she said.

"I try," Michael said, his smile turning shy. "But we have a shoot, and the movie is lagging without you, why not go on vacation after the movie is done" Michael said.

Sarah nodded in affirmation, knowing that he was right.

"You're right," she said, "I can't let the movie suffer because of my personal life" She smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "I'll stick it out till the end, and then I'll take some time off for myself"

Michael nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit!" He said.

*******

From the shadows of a darkened corner, a figure watched as Sarah and Michael spoke. The figure's eyes were deep blue, like the ocean depths, filled with curiosity. As the figure watched, a smile played on his lips, a smile that seemed to suggest that he knew something the others did not.

Then without a sound, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving only the memory of his intense gaze.