His gaze was so gentle, as if afraid of disturbing something.
He didn't dare move, and couldn't look away.
I stood there, rooted to the spot.
The bag of herbal medicine in my hands slipped somehow.
A sharp smack.
It hit the floor. The paper wrapping split open, dried herbs scattering everywhere.
They both looked up at the same time.
Camille saw me first. Her eyes curved into crescents.
"There you are, sweetie."
Her voice was feather-soft, her face lit with delighted surprise.
Rod straightened up and turned to me.
His expression was calm, pleasant. "What brings you here?"
I lowered my gaze to the mess of herbs on the floor.
Camille rose and walked over, looking genuinely sorry.
"Oh no, it's all spilled."
"I'll go get more."
I crouched down to gather the scattered pieces.
Camille pressed her hand over mine.
"Leave it. What's spilled is spilled. I'll have Nora clean it up later. Come sit with me for a bit."
Her hand rested warm against the back of mine.
I looked up. She was smiling right at me.
Such a beautiful smile.
I managed one in return.
Then I pulled my hand free.
"Another time. I have things to do."
She blinked, caught off guard, but recovered quickly with another smile.
"Of course. Go ahead, then. Rod, would you walk her back?"
Rod nodded and came over.
I followed him out.
At the doorway, I heard Camille call from behind us:
"I'll save that book for you. We can pick up where we left off next time."
Rod's steps faltered for a beat. He didn't turn around.
Outside the master bedroom, he walked half a step ahead of me. Neither of us spoke.
"You should go back," I said.
I didn't look at him. "She's probably still waiting for you."
He stopped and turned.
"Theresa, don't overthink this. Camille's just lonely. She wanted someone to talk to, so I kept her company for a while. That's all it was."
I nodded.
He studied me for a moment, seemed about to say something, then swallowed it.
Finally, he let out a breath. "I'm heading back, then. Let's have dinner together tonight."
I said okay.
He turned and walked away.
The hallway wasn't long. From the master bedroom to the guest room, maybe a few dozen steps.
But it took me forever. My legs wouldn't move any faster.
Martha met me at the door, the words tumbling out before she could stop them.
"Ma'am, you look awful. What happened?"
She guided me inside and poured me a glass of water.
"What's wrong?"
I stared at the glass. The surface was still, clear enough to catch a reflection.
After a long time, I felt the dampness on my face. I raised a hand to wipe the corner of my eye.
But the more I wiped, the more there was. Like it would never stop.
