[[ milliways, the inlet ]]

[ "feel like taking a walk with me?" ]

Soft sand and blue water. Warm air that smells like summer. Bill's hand covering hers.

(It's supposed to be easier out here, like this.)

The play of the afternoon sun on the sea burns tiny spots into her vision; they're still there when she blinks, bright like bursts of gunfire.

(It's not.)

She knows he's worried, and she knows she needs to say something, anything, because she hasn't spoken since they left her room.

Glancing down, she gives his hand a gentle squeeze.

"Thanks."