CAUGHT BETWEEN

tirring gently in pockets-traders arranging wares, danfo buses warming up with low grumbles, early risers dragging tired feet past puddles of yesterday's rain. But Jude wasn't watching any of tha

m. There. She appeared like a secret. No loud steps. No eye contact. Just that same grace that didn't fit the dirt under her feet. She wore a long cardigan over jeans today. Earphones in. Head down. Jude stood slowly. One chance. He stepped forward. "Excuse me," he said, voice firmer than he expected. She paused, halfway to passing him. Her eyes rose from the ground, brows knit in caution. For the first time, he saw her up close. Her eyes weren't cold-they were tired. As if she'd seen too much. Her lips pressed into a soft line, and her hand hovered near her bag strap like a reflex. She tugged one earphone out. "Yes?" Jude blinked. He hadn't planned what to say after this point. "Uh-I just wanted to say..