Northern stepped back as the storm swelled wider and fiercer. He returned to Annette's position—she was already on the ground trembling. In fact, from Northern's perspective, it appeared she was weeping.
Vida stood behind her with clenched fists, pressing down on her lips, doing nothing.
Northern shifted his gaze to her and lingered for a moment, wondering if he should say anything. The truth was there wasn't really anything for him to say, regardless.
But he opened his mouth.
"You don't have to feel bad."
Vida looked at him. Annette stopped trembling momentarily, which was proof enough for Northern that she could hear him.
He flexed his arm and closed it.
"I received a shattered hand from just managing to hit him once. That damn man—he's strong. So don't feel so disappointed in yourself because you couldn't move."
Vida stared at him, clenched harder, and lowered her head.
"Easy for you to say. You're strong."
Northern chuckled softly.
