"Your hands are shaking."

The man’s hands, which had been working in steady, practiced circles on her lower back, stopped completely. Clara didn't look up from the face cradle, but she could feel the sudden change in the room's pressure. She could feel the faint tremor in his fingers where they rested on her skin.

"I'm sorry," he said, his voice quiet and strained. "It's just... it's been a long day."

Clara let out a soft, humorless laugh.

"It has nothing to do with ...