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A stranger was crying next to me on the Metro today. I didn't say a word, I just offered him my other earbud.

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I was on my way home after a long, draining shift. The metro was packed, but I managed to get a seat. A few stops later, a guy (looked around my age, maybe 24-25) sat next to me.

I noticed he was shaking slightly. I glanced over and saw he was trying incredibly hard to hold back tears. He wasn't making a scene, just silently staring at the floor, wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

Usually, I mind my own business. Asking "Are you okay?" feels awkward in a crowded train and sometimes people just want to be left alone.

But I couldn't just ignore him.

I was listening to some lo-fi/calm piano music. Without saying anything, I gently tapped his arm and held out my right earbud.

He looked at me, confused for a second, then looked at the earbud.

He took it.

We sat there for about 20 minutes, sharing the same song in complete silence amidst the chaos of the metro. I could feel him slowly relax. His breathing slowed down.

When his station came, he handed the earbud back, looked me in the eyes, and gave a small, genuine smile. He whispered a weak "Thanks, man" and walked out.

I don't know what he was going through breakup, job loss, family issues but I’m glad I could offer a little bit of peace. Just wanted to share this because sometimes, you don't need words to comfort someone.

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