Page 157 of Rangers Mountain Rescue

Everything unsaid standing between us.

I step closer before I can stop myself.

My hand reaches out.

Not planned.

Not thought through.

I rest it lightly against his ribs.

Checking.

Professional.

But the second I touch him—

He stills.

Not from pain.

From me.

“You shouldn’t be sitting up,” I say, my voice softer now.

“Probably not.”

But he doesn’t move.

Neither do I.

The space between us disappears without permission.

“Why didn’t you tell me it hurt this much?” I ask.

“Didn’t want you to worry.”

That breaks something small in my chest.

“I was already worried,” I whisper.

His breath catches.

Just slightly.

“You weren’t supposed to be,” he says.

“Too late.”

Silence again.

But this time—

It’s heavier.

Closer.

His hand shifts on the sofa.