Kristen sputtered, "I. I. Um. Sorry, I just realized that I antagonized Frank yesterday when I was trying to set a boundary. If things get worse, it will be my fault." A partial truth kept her secret. Thorn seemed to be appeased with her answer. He hummed, "Mmm. Perhaps." Then left them to return to his room.
She gave Ronald and Aaron a reassuring smile, "I'm fine, really. Go, finish getting ready for your day. Go back to sleep. Whatever you were doing. There is still some time before breakfast." Ronald pulled her into him, wrapping his arms around him. "Are you sure you're okay?" She rested her cheek on his chest, "Yes, Ronald, I'm fine. I just overreacted, that's all." He squeezed her a little tighter for just a second, then released her.
"Fine. I'm going back to bed for a while, but
