Chapter 83 - With a Sprinkle of Mercy

Lewis focused more on the rug, cleaning vehemently with a frown on his face.

How did he always manage to get so careless with the bowl of soup?

He could endure it now without thinking it was blood but he still felt his heart pounding like it had the first time this happened.

A gentle knock at the door snapped him out of his thoughts. He threw the piece of cloth back in the small bucket of water, letting it sink while the water splashed a little at the sudden disturbance. He pulled down his sleeves a little and opened the door.

"Clara?" He gasped lowly, his voice coming out as a surprised whisper.

Clara blinked nervously while she held the handle of the teacup tighter in her hand tighter.

"I thought you might want tea?"

She tried to step in but he quickly stood in the way, glancing back at all the mess before he looked back at her. If she stood a little longer with him, she would know. She would see the added imperfection he now had and he didn't want that.