Close Assumptions

Marnthe looked uneasily at Geale as they made their way home from the dock.

The younger man had been oddly silent after completing their errand. He was wearing a fake smile when they bid goodbye to Anh and Corey.

Corey wasn't a bad person, but Geale's actions made Marnthe wonder if he somehow did something inappropriate.

"Geale?"

Geale continued to walk beside him, his doe eyes staring blankly at the pavement.

Marnthe grabbed his hand. "Geale."

The touch seemed to wake him up. Was he just sleepy?

"Yeah?" Geale asked, finally looking at Marnthe.

"How are you feeling? Did something happen while you were with Corey? Are you not feeling well? It's the first time you had fish taco, right? Are you in any pain?"

Geale shyly looked away. Marnthe was worried about him. "No, I'm okay."

"Are you sure? Did Corey do anything to you?"

"No, he was very kind to me! He even bought us food. He's a good human."