After they finished eating, the room fell into a comfortable quiet. The fire had died down to soft embers, and only the faint chirping of crickets filled the air. Evelise's eyes drifted toward Sid's right knee. Even though it was now wrapped tightly, she could still see the faint swelling beneath the fabric. Her expression softened.
"You know…"
She began quietly, breaking the silence,
"whatever happened to your leg must have been something brutal."
She hesitated, choosing her words carefully.
"I can tell you don't want to relive it, but… you're still not over it, are you?"
Sid froze, his spoon still halfway to his mouth.
"What makes you say that?"
Evelise sighed, resting her elbows on her knees.
"Because you talk in your sleep. You cry. You sweat like you're fighting for your life again."
Her gaze turned sharp.
"You think I wouldn't notice? You act tough, but at night, you sound like someone trapped in a nightmare."
Sid looked away, embarrassed.
