chapter 13

Gannon When I asked Abbie what she liked in town, she sounded distant, like what I asked upset her. That thought alone has me watching her and I can’t bring myself to leave her side. She peels the skin from her fingertips, a habit that bothers me because she doesn’t even seem aware she’s doing it. The entire drive home, she was lost in her own world, trapped in her thoughts, tearing her fingers to pieces. After we returned, she headed to the laundry room to start the washing like she couldn’t get away quick enough. I followed her silently, watching as she loaded the washer, her focus entirely on the task in front of her. She didn’t notice me standing behind her until I walked over and picked up the basket. “Come on, I’ll help.” She looks unsure but eventually sighs. “You don’t have to help me,” she says. “I want to,” I reply, carrying the basket over to the clothesline. I set it down and retrieve the pegs. Since I have the afternoon off to prepare for tomorrow’s trip with the king, I d