Silence returned, but Bruno could tell Beauty was still uneasy. Her awkward glances and the slight distance she kept between them made him feel sad. He realized she probably needed some space, even though he wanted to stay the whole day.

He cleared his throat.

"I guess... I should get going," he said quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. "You need to rest, and I don't want to intrude any more than I already have."

Beauty blinked, surprised by his sudden ...