Resistance

Irimena stepped out of the house, and walked with Rosel, waiting for him to start talking, which he didn't do until they'd gone into the woods, well away from any house.

"Sorry, I just wanted to to be alone to tell you this."

"What is it?" she asked cordially, patiently.

"I'd like to know if you'd like to spend the the rest of the day with me, like we did on our way here, but without Tilal"

Irimena was very careful not to smile in any way, but to keep a neutral, polite expression on her face. "I'm sorry, Rosel, but I want to spend some time with family. I haven't seen them in much time, as you know."

"Oh, sorry. Yeah. There's always tomorrow."

She should have been clearer from the very beginning, Irimena knew, but in truth, Rosel had never been all that clear with his intentions, and she hadn't wanted to seem presumptuous.