Rose approached him once again, this time slower, more deliberate.
She straddled him. Kissed his lips. Touched his chest.
But Jude didn't move.
"What's wrong, love?" she whispered, her breath warm against his ear. "You're so tense."
"I saw you," he said. "By the river. With that thing."
Her body stilled.
Then she smiled. "You must be seeing things again."
"I'm not."
"You're tired, Jude. You've always been a little… suspicious." She kissed his jaw. "But that's okay. I'll show you how good it can feel to stop thinking so much."
He pushed her off, gently but firmly.
Rose rose to her feet, not angry, not surprised.
Just smiling.
"I'm always here, you know," she said softly, walking backward into the shadows. "When you're ready."
When she was gone, Jude exhaled and looked over the camp. All of them. One by one. Most asleep. Some curled together in tangled warmth. Some murmuring in their sleep. Some smiling.