By mutual, unspoken agreement, Carol and Ricardo woke up early the next morning, showered and ate breakfast in Ricardo’s room—it was less messy and it had a nicer view of the faraway ocean and the edge of town.
Carol had seemed a little off the night before, her face drawn, complexion paler, and Ricardo wondered if he’d said something to upset her. When he’d asked, she’d brushed it off with a non-committal “nothing”, then turned on her side before falling asleep. She seemed off still, and neither mentioned outdoor activities nor going downstairs for breakfast. Maybe she was nervous about her upcoming hearing.
She obviously didn’t want to talk about whatever worried her, and Ricardo didn’t push.
When it was time to go, Ricardo took her in his arms and held her for a long time. This wasn’
