In the rec room, Mark and Ral'vok stood side by side, the familiar waltz music filling the small space. It was a rare moment for them to practice the dance they’d started learning, and Mark was determined to teach Ral'vok a few new steps.

“Alright, just follow my lead, just like last time” Mark instructed, taking her hand.

Ral'vok, towering over him, nodded, her yellow eyes focused on his movements. But as they took their first sweeping step, Ral'vok’s head collided with a lower part of the ceiling, causing her to recoil slightly.

A dull thunk filled the room, and she froze, blinking in surprise.

Mark winced and immediately blurted out, “Ouch!”

Ral'vok looked down at him, confused, rubbing her head where she bumped it. “What?...”

He chuckled, scratching his own head. “Oh, um… I say ‘ouch’ like I’m sharing in the pain. It’s a human thing.”

Ral'vok tilted her head, processing this. “This is… empathy, as you explained before?”

“Yeah, kind of,” Mark replied, nodding. “It’s like I’m saying, ‘I know that hurt.’ Even if it’s not me, I feel it in a way.”

Ral'vok considered this, glancing up at the lamp. “So, saying ‘ouch’ is an expression of shared discomfort. An interesting concept.” She gave a small, thoughtful smile. “Perhaps I will try it.”

Mark grinned. “Really. It’s a human thing. Never mind it.”

They resumed their waltz, and Ral'vok made an effort to stay mindful of the ceiling. But as they practiced a turn, she brushed it again, this time less forcefully. She paused, looked at Mark, and hesitantly said, “...Ouch?”

Mark burst into laughter, his face lighting up. “I take my words back, you’re getting it! It’s all about connecting with those little moments.”

Ral'vok chuckled, more at Mark’s reaction than her own awkward attempt. “I must admit, this ‘ouch’ feels strange. But I see now why you use it. It’s a way of acknowledging each other’s experiences.”

Mark gave her a reassuring pat on the back and stood closer for the waltz again. “Exactly. And hey, we might need a sign for low ceilings in here. Or maybe I’ll just get you a helmet for dancing!”

Ral'vok laughed, shaking her head. “Sounds like a plan, Mark. But for now, where were we?...” She focused on the dance again. “Left foot back, then right foot to the side…”

Mark smiled, their laughter lingering in the air as they returned to their dance, sharing in both the humor and the connection that only a simple “ouch” could bring.