Words That Stirred the Heart
For quite some time, Anna said nothing at all.
Her eyes dropped, sorting through a storm of ideas spinning inside. A few slow breaths passed until the right words came, slipping out like pebbles from closed fingers.
A shadow of letdown brushed her lovely features, yet her gaze stayed steady.
"I'm sorry... but I can't accept it."
For a moment she stopped, then went on. Her words came out steady, quiet but firm.
"I dislike owing people more than anything. We're neither Pathbound Companions nor teacher and student. I don't think it's right for me to keep accepting gifts from you."
A hush dropped over the two. Stillness held its breath where words had been.
A soft wind moved across the open space, bringing along the scent of fresh blossoms. Up in the branches, foliage whispered now and then, layering the stillness with calm sound.
He watched her, silent. Stillness held his eyes fixed on Anna.
