"My lady."
I looked up.
Meline stood near the wardrobe now.
She was holding a pale blue shawl.
"You haven't heard anything I've said for the last minute."
"I heard you."
"What did I say?"
I hesitated.
She waited.
I looked toward the shawl.
"...Something about the shawl?"
Her expression answered for her.
I sighed.
"I'm distracted."
"I noticed."
There was no teasing in her voice this time.
That made it worse somehow.
She placed the shawl down.
"Are you worried?"
I considered lying.
Then decided against it.
"Yes."
"About seeing him?"
"About what four years does to people."
Meline became quiet.
That was why I trusted her.
She knew when not to fill silence.
I looked toward the road again.
"The last time I saw him, we were children."
"You still are."
I glanced at her.
"That is not helpful."
"You are fifteen."
"So are many people who believe themselves adults."
That earned a small smile.
I continued.
