Gayle sat on the couch in the library, as she didn’t feel comfortable resting in a hospital bed. Jared could arrive at any time, and she really didn’t have the energy to deal with him again tonight. Gayle finally relaxed once the guards left and leaned back on the couch. She grimaced at the movement, grateful for the lack of prying eyes as she sank back and finally acknowledged the pain that she felt. 

　　“You don’t have to be stoic all the time. I don’t understand ...