"No, don't..."

Susan tugged at his sleeve. "I just want you to stay with me for a while, okay? If you won't, then just let me die from the pain!"

"Then go ahead and die," Richard replied coldly. Despite his words, he poured her a glass of hot water and said in a flat tone, "Drink more hot water."

Susan scoffed, "It won't be helpful."

I stumbled slightly and nearly fell over. When I looked up, I saw their natural interaction.

One person was willing to pretend, ...