He didn’t answer. He didn’t even look at me. He was too absorbed with hating Maunhouser for what they’d done to him—too preoccupied with assuming they’d do the same to everyone else.
It was heartrending to witness.
I stood and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder—careful to choose his right shoulder for the gesture. It was warm and soft under my hand. “I’m sorry they’ve made you view things that way,” I said gently. And then I left, leaving him to his silence.
I didn’t really have a destination in mind. The Essta wasn’t large enough to have many choices. But something that evening drew me to the large forward observation area straddling the ship’s two main decks. I suppose I just wanted a moment with the stars.
I stepped into the large room, and my gaze was so focused on the dark w
