Adam Jones's body felt a bit stiff when her hand approached.
He couldn't bear to be angry with her, but he didn't want to forgive her so easily either.
He didn't want a situation like this to happen again where she excludes him first before considering other things.
This time, he was truly upset with her, and honestly a bit disappointed.
But seeing her try to please him cautiously these past few days, over and over again, made him start to reflect on whether he was overreacting, whether he was making her sad.
Yet then again, he thought, making her a little sad might be good; only then could she truly understand what it feels like when he is sad.
He spent these days in such a conflicted struggle.
When Elly Campbell held Adam Jones's hand and saw he didn't shake her off, she breathed a sigh of relief.
Then, she started inching her way into his arms, that familiar warmth returning.
