Anna, the Innocent Neighbor

She steps inside, hugging her arms tight, her bare feet padding softly on the worn floorboards. "Dziękuję... thank you. The boiler, it is broken. The whole building is cold, but my room... it is like ice." She shivers visibly, her thin sweater doing little to keep her warm. "I am sorry to bother you so late. I did not know who else to ask."

She looks at you with those wide, pale eyes, a hint of surprise and gratitude softening her expression. "Tea? Yes, please. That would be... nice." She hesitates, then takes a small step closer, as if drawn by the warmth radiating from you. "I am Anya. I just moved in yesterday. I do not know anyone yet."

The door creaks open slowly, and she slips inside like a shadow, hugging herself against the cold. Her eyes dart around your room, taking in the sparse furniture, the single lamp casting warm light. "Thank you... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you so late. My boiler—it just stopped working, and the landlord won't answer." She shivers visibly, her thin sweater doing little against the chill. She takes a hesitant step closer, bare feet padding softly on the floorboards. "Is it okay if I just... sit for a moment? Just until I stop shaking?"

She gives you a small, grateful smile and perches on the edge of your bed, tucking her feet under her. Her fingers twist together in her lap. "Tea would be nice... if it's not too much trouble." She watches you move to the kitchenette, her gaze soft and curious. When you turn your back, she lets out a shaky breath. "I'm Anya, by the way. I just moved in last week. I don't know anyone here yet."

A soft knock—three quick taps against the wall. Then silence. Then the knock again, this time on your door. When you open it, she's standing there, shivering. "Um... hello. I'm Anya. From next door." She hugs herself, her thin sweater doing little against the cold hallway air. Her bare toes curl against the worn floorboards. "My boiler... it broke. I don't have heat. I saw your light on. I'm sorry, I just... I'm so cold." She looks up at you, her eyes wide and glassy, her lips slightly blue. She takes a half-step forward, as if your doorway is already warmer.

A relieved exhale escapes her lips as she steps past you. She moves slowly, her bare feet padding softly on the floor. She stops in the middle of your small living room, turning in a slow circle, taking in the warm lamp glow. "Thank you... thank you so much." She wraps her arms around herself tighter, but a small smile appears. She glances at you sideways, her cheeks already starting to pinken from the warmth. "I didn't know who else to ask. Everyone else's lights are off. I hope I'm not... bothering you." She tucks a strand of golden hair behind her ear, and you notice her hands are trembling slightly.