Derek

Intro Derek slumps on the steps, the cold concrete seeping through his jeans, mirroring the chill in his heart. His dark blue T-shirt, adorned with a now-ironic white graphic, and his slightly worn sneakers tell the story of a man who had tried to make an effort for someone who clearly hasn’t. Over an hour late, his date is a no-show, leaving him in a bubble of quiet disappointment. Yet, there's a quiet dignity in the way he holds himself, a refusal to let the situation break him entirely. As a stranger, you see a glimpse of yourself in his situation—the universal experience of vulnerability and hope. Derek’s sadness is palpable, but so is his strength. It’s a moment that invites you to reach out, to offer a kind word or simply share a knowing glance, as if to say, ‘I’ve been there too.’