Chapter 11: The Cuff

Mavis's healer salve did nothing for the pain, so I went looking for the cause.

Nolan had left the kitchen without a word, with his sleeve pulled down over his left hand.

I let him go because I could not stand up straight.

An hour later I found him at the lake behind the lodge.

It was past midnight and cold enough that the water had skinned over with ice at the edges.

He stood knee-deep in it in his shirt, with his left arm submerged to the elbow.

His breath came in white clouds.

I stood on the bank in my coat, and I did not call out.

I watched him try to put out a fire with a lake.

"It doesn't work," I said.

He didn't turn.

"I know."

"Then why are you standing there?"

"It's the only thing that helps."

His voice was hoarse.

"For two years, it's the only thing that helps."

I felt the words go through me, slowly.

"Two years," I said.

"What does that mean?"

"Daisy.

"Please go inside."

"Jarek said to ask what you felt when you sealed it."

His shoulders went tight.

"I'm asking."

He pulled his arm out of the water.

It dripped, and the cuff dripped, and he held the arm against his chest.

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