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Dan Heng caught Stelle hiding in an alley in Duomension City.
"You got my texts," she said, peeking around the corner. "Sorry for having to move while you were looking for me."
He nodded, rounding the corner to meet her. "Did you have a panic attack in the street?"
"Not really, but everything felt really loud, and when I went to the street by Graphia Academy, it was too quiet." She clenched and unclenched her hands, as though needing to occupy them with something that wasn't a phone.
"Have you been experiencing sensory overload more often lately?" He took one of her hands and watched her squeeze tight enough to make him blink.
"I guess that's what you'd call it? I wasn't sure. Is it still sensory overload if it happens when there's no sound at all?"
"That was what it sounded like to me, so I brought these," he said, and produced the streaming headphones March got her before placing them on her head. "Hold still."
Stelle blinked, touching the sides. "It's like a hug from March on my head," she softly, moved by the gesture. "Is that music coming from your phone?"
"For now, yes. Listen to it."
A few seconds passed, and Stelle lit up with recognition. "I think… I think this melody was in Aedes Elysiae."
"I was surprised to see that people were attempting to compose music in Amphorean styles, but maybe I shouldn't be." He watched her listen, taking note of how she settled down, the anxious stiffness of her body gradually evening out. "It's not so unusual to wear headphones on the street. Next time you go out, you should take these to block out some noise, or to give you something to listen to if it's too quiet."
"That's such a good idea," she said, eyes welling up with grateful tears. "Thank you, Dan-Dan. And I'll thank March too."
"Another nickname?" Dan Heng chuckled and scratched the back of his head.
"Don't worry, you're still my Dragon Bear," Stelle reassured him, leaning closer. "But you can be Dan-Dan Woof too, while we're here."
"What… never mind. I'll just add it to the list." A small smile undermined the veneer of mild exasperation. "Do you mind if I disconnect my phone now? I can send you the link to the music so you have it for yourself." He held his phone up, ready to tap options, but waited for her permission.
"Go ahead." A quiet moment passed that she felt compelled to fill. "I went to Seafeld City earlier. It's very pretty, but… maybe too quiet."
"If I recall correctly, the demographic of the city is mostly sailors, families, and retirees," he murmured, adding, "I suppose that's not really your usual crowd."
"Yeah, I guess I'm not ready to retire yet… despite everything." Something in her giggle seemed reluctant, almost rueful. "Would you walk me back to the Express? Please?"
"Yes. You said 'please,' so I know you need some extra support."
"Did you have to call me out like that?" Right when she was about to pout and huff, her eyes went wide as Dan Heng took her hand.
"Let's go back," he said, leading her forward.
With her free hand, Stelle pulled up the song Dan Heng sent her, gentle harp strums filling her head and heart. The familiar sounds and the warmth of her companion's hand and presence wrapped her in a barrier of warm security, and she let her mind drift away while she was escorted back home.