The Gut Feeling

She dipped the small cotton ball in water which was mixed with many herbs and sat down beside Donovan to apply it to his body.

"You don't need to do this yourself," but Donovan held her hand before she could touch him.

"Why not?" Without paying any heed to him she pulled her hand away gently and started to do her job.

"Garrett will do such things. You let him do it," Donovan again held her hand.

Silja finally looked at him.

She could see the awkwardness in his eyes. A sense of shame and helplessness. 

"Why?" Silja put away the medicine and turned around facing him directly. Donovan met her eyes and gritted his teeth. After quite a long pause he said.

"Because I don't want you to see me like this," sadness clouded his features. 

Silja looked at him and then leaned on his face with a smile. Their forehead touched.

"Why are you smiling?" Donovan's face turned even sour seeing that daunting smile on her face.