"How about I stay with you tonight and make sure of that myself," he said.
Sera let out a small, surprised chuckle. She stepped aside, opening the door wider to let him in. "Can I get you anything?"
"No," Charles replied. "I'm just going to sit on that couch. I won't get in your way." He pointed to the smaller sofa.
She nodded and moved to the larger couch, curling into it, legs tucked beneath her. Her eyes stared into nothing.
Charles sat where he promised. True to his word, he said nothing. Silence stretched between them.
"He's with her, right?"
"He has no choice," Charles answered.
Sera nodded slowly. "I know." She swallowed. Knowing did not make it hurt less. It only made the pain feel official.
"You're strong," Charles said after a moment.
"Am I? Because I feel like a cracked cup pretending it can still hold water."
"You're handling it well," he said quietly.
