When Taya fell silent, Silas flashed a carefree smile at her. "Do you come today because of my depression?" he asked softly.

She hesitated on how to respond, but Silas took the initiative to change the topic, sparing her from feeling too uncomfortable.

He didn't actually want Taya to know, but Mr. Sherwood had somehow figured it out, so he could only accept this.

"Yeah," Taya replied, lifting her teacup again, worry in her eyes as she looked at Silas. "I heard your depression has reached a ...