As they began to walk toward the Community Centre, Barbara felt the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. Each step felt heavier, and the distance between her and Lycus felt more pronounced than ever.
“What’s going on with him?” Jarlon asked quietly, trying to keep his tone light but unable to hide his concern.
“He’s so cold towards me,” she murmured, fighting back the tears that threatened to spill. “I don’t understand why.”
Jarlon nodded, his brow furrowing deeper. “I noticed. I didn’t want to say anything, but he didn’t seem like himself. It’s like he flipped a switch.”
“I thought we were past this,” Barbara felt the weight of his words, but the anxiety gnawed at her. “I thought we were getting closer.”
“We will,” Jarlon reassured her. “He’s a tough guy. But he needs time. S
