The hotel lobby was quiet in that uneasy way that comes late at night, with only a few tired guests and a weary desk clerk. When a man and a young girl entered, no one noticed at first—until a subtle tension began to settle.

The girl looked exhausted, dragging a small bag, shoulders slumped and eyes downcast. She wasn’t curious or excited, just worn out. The man beside her moved quickly, checking his phone and the time, speaking little.

At the front desk, the check-in felt rushed. The man leaned forward, glancing toward the elevators. The girl stood silently beside him. To trained staff, something felt off—late hour, tired child, anxious adult.

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