Arnold frowned. He leaned slightly forward, his tone careful.
"I don't want to overstep, but… don't you think you're working more than you should?"
That finally made Martha pause. She lifted her eyes to him. "What do you mean?"
Arnold exhaled quietly.
"You have a personal life too. No matter how much the base has given you, that doesn't change the fact that you've already given just as much back."
His gaze softened. "You work overtime without extra pay, shoulder responsibilities that aren't even yours, and act like it's normal. Honestly, that feels unfair."
He hesitated for a brief moment, then added more firmly,
"You shouldn't always be looking after the base or everyone else. You should look after yourself too."
There was no teasing in his voice, no hidden agenda. Only concern. His eyes revealed it clearly. He wasn't saying this to impress her or gain favor.
He genuinely cared.
Martha's eyes softened as she looked at Arnold.
