"T-Timothy?" I stuttered, the streetlight casting a soft glow on his features.
"I'm sorry for startling you," Timothy said, his voice carrying a hint of worry. "I wanted to surprise you, but I guess this was ill-timed all things considered. I also wanted to check on you and see if you were okay."
I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly at the sight of my friend. "I... I'm fine. Just a long day at work, that's all."
Timothy's brow furrowed, his concern evident. "Are you sure? I wasn’t trying to scare you. I kind of just turned up, but I’d be lying if I said was wasn’t worried about you all day."
Relief washed over me, and I smiled at him. "That’s sweet, and I promise I’m fine. What’s all this?”
He held out a bouquet of delicate ro
