Chapter 11

Hugh couldn't bring himself to say no anymore. Seeing the tension on his face, Natalie's tears fell right away. "Hughie, is this too much for you? It's okay if it is. I won't go today." She thought that would be enough to make him give in and reassure her, but instead, he looked relieved. He reached out and stroked her head. "Today's different. You really shouldn't come with me," Hugh said. Natalie stared at him, stunned. Anger flashed in her eyes, but she quickly replaced it with a look of helplessness. She had almost stopped crying, but now fresh tears began to fall in heavy streams. "Hughie..." Hugh seemed lost in thought, completely missing the distress on her face. He pushed her aside and glanced up at the light above them. "So this is what's broken?" he asked. Realizing he wasn't reacting the way she expected, Natalie bit her lip, let out a soft, hurt hum, and dropped onto the couch, refusing to look at him. Hugh's mind was elsewhere. The dream he'd had earlier kept play