“did I startle you?” I asked out of courtesy. Of course, I had startled her.

She didn't answer though

“I'm sorry” I mumbled and drew her close with my hand that held hers. I used my index finger to push back the strands of hair that had covered her right eye.

She looked up at my face and our eyes locked. It was obvious she wasn't comfortable and neither was I. But hers was more visible.

I smiled and opened her palm then kept an envelope in it. She looked at her hand

“make sure you get yourself some salmons” I said and released her.

“I'll be going now” I...