Emma had always been the kind of girl who saw beyond the surface. When her friend Lucy confided in her about her struggles at home, Emma listened intently, her brow furrowing with concern. She noticed Lucy's hands trembling as she spoke, and the way her eyes darted away whenever she hesitated. Emma gently reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Lucy’s shoulder. That simple gesture conveyed more than words ever could — a silent promise of support. Over the next few weeks, Emma observed subtle changes in Lucy. She seemed more withdrawn, often lost in thought, her smile less frequent. Emma wondered what was going on beneath that guarded exterior, feeling a mixture of empathy and helplessness. One afternoon, Lucy finally opened up, her voice trembling as she revealed her fears about her unstable home life. Emma listened without interruption, her own heart aching for her friend. She realised that sometimes, understanding someone requires patience and quiet kindness, rather than immediate solutions. Emma’s empathetic response created a bridge of trust between them, allowing Lucy to feel seen and supported. The act of simply being there had made a difference. Emma learned that empathy isn’t just about recognising pain — it’s about connecting genuinely and offering consistent kindness, especially when words are insufficient.