Clara’s pov
I told Theo I was going for a walk after my shift and he immediately frowned.
“In the woods?” he asked, wiping the same section of counter he always wiped when he was worried. “After the strangers last week?”
“It’s still light out. I won’t go far.”
“Clara—”
“I need air that doesn’t smell like coffee and bacon grease.” I leaned on the counter. “I’ve been cooped up between the diner and that little room for weeks.
My head’s too loud. Walking helps.”
He set the towel down and looked at me properly. “You sure this is about clearing your head and not about whatever’s been making you press your hand to your chest every other hour?”
I didn’t answer right away. The heat was already present, low and familiar. “Maybe both. I won’t know unless I go.”
“Take your phone. And text m
