“Christian, can you leave me alone for a minute?” I sighed, not wishing to disturb him, and yet, feeling as though I had absolutely no choice but to do this.

“Is everything okay?” Christian pressed with a look of consternation written plainly on his face. “Is it something I said or did?” He moved closer and touched me gently on the arm, his affection made evident to me.

“Don’t worry so much about me. I just need to be alone for now,” ...