Too Close, Too Far

She’d wondered, half in fear, if he planned to toss her aside now that she was no longer of any use.

But when they passed through the city gate, he still hadn’t let go of her hand.

‘Maybe I’m just not worth anything. Who’d want a girl who can’t speak?’

The thought left a cold pit in her stomach.

And yet, he was so good to her.

Too good.

He didn’t have to be—but he did everything anyway.

It made hating him feel impossible.

He bought her clothes. Replaced her worn-out shoes. Made sure every meal was warm and filling.

Everything he gave her was nicer than it needed to be.

She’d received so much from him that she couldn’t help but feel indebted.

Maybe one day he would leave her—but until then, she owed him.

Which made upsetting him feel that much worse.

‘Is he still mad?’

She started to reach for him, then stopped short.

What could she even do to make it right?

She didn’t even know what she’d done wrong.