Her smile

The sound of the door opening jolted Esme awake. Sitting up abruptly, a sharp, unexpected pain shot through her her, from her abdomen upwards.

“Arh…” she winced and cried out. Her hand clutched her stomach as her expression twisted.

“Be careful. You are not fully recovered yet,” she heard a voice that sounded familiar say, but she could recall where and who she heard it from. She scurried away when he wanted to touch her to check on her. Eyes were filled with fear, and she continued to move back, ignoring the gnawing pain in her stomach.

‘Instinctive reaction,’

He paused at that thought. His expression that had just brightened up at the sight of her waking the moment he came in, darkened. But when he saw the fear in her eyes, he sighed.

“I won't touch you,” he said, raising his hands and stepping backward.