The cottage was quiet as I stepped through the doorway. No fire was needed; the summer day's heat lingered, almost suffocating in its eagerness to do its work.
Nell sat in the chair beside the blackened fireplace, her head bowed, her fingers twisting in her lap. As I stepped forwards, a floorboard creaked. Slowly, she lifted her head to look at me.
A hesitant smile touched her lips for a moment before disappearing. Her eyes no longer held the glint I had loved. Instead, they greeted me with a flatness that reminded me of when her father had locked her away.
Slowly, I crossed the space between us and sat in the chair opposite. It groaned beneath my weight.
Silence tugged at my very soul as I watched her bow her head.
I knew I should speak, but what could I say? The thoughts and memories I carried battled within me, rendering me mute.
Nell's breath shuddered before breaking the silence.
“I’ll be gettin’ yer food, luv. I needed a moment, that’s all.”
She pushed herself to her feet, stood for a moment, then sank back into the chair.
“Nell!” I rushed to her side, taking her hand. “What ails ye?”
Her head rested in her hand, her eyes closed.
“I’m well.” A faint smile lingered on her lips as she opened her eyes and looked at me.
“You stay,” I said. “I’ll fetch the food, my love.”
Nell gave a hesitant chuckle, clutching my hand that still rested on hers. I smiled, noticing how pale she was. Even on such a sunny day, the colour had drained from her cheeks.
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