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"Obviously." She huffs and takes a seat next to me. "I stocked you up on those too, because even canned is better than nothing when you've caught a cold. But if I'm here either way, I can also throw stuff into a pot and make a proper soup."

"You're too good to me," I mumble and shake my head, then slurp another spoonful.

"No, I'm not." Her face darkens; she shoots me a glare. "Why are you saying that?"

"What?" I glance around nervously. "Ignore me. I don't know what I'm saying. I’m sick."

"Okay. Rain check." She shakes her head, but the disappointment prevails. I don’t want her to be disappointed in me. "It doesn't mean I'm going to let you out of the conversation indefinitely."

Instead of answering, I slurp some more soup. So far, my stomach isn't complaining.

Good.

"You don't have to stay here," I stammer, but only earn another sharp glare. "I'm just saying, you have a whole shelter to care for. Many lives versus one. The ultimate trolley problem."

"Hannah's got it. And I've got Rose with me. Don't worry about it."

And for once, I decide to take her at her word and do exactly that.

Chapter 23

Brooke

"I'm back," I whisper-shout into Kieran's house and enter quietly.

He's been sleeping a lot today and yesterday, but overall, he’s doing a lot better. Yet whenever his eyes fall on me, his face hardens for the fraction of a second, and he keeps assuring me he’d be okay on his own. At first, I thought he didn't want me around. However, the longer I'm thinking about it, the more I realize that he's simply not used to anyone being there for him.

No wonder, given his history.

Dick and Rose tumble ahead into the house, exhausted and ready to fight over the dog bed. I took them for a quick walk in the snow. And by that, I mean I supervised as they ran through the snow, because it’s about ankle-high now and a bitch to wade through.

To my surprise, I find Kieran curled up on the couch, staring outside with a faraway expression. The snow hasn't stopped falling since I came here, and now a thick white blanket lies over the lakeshore and forest, early moonlight reflecting on the flakes.

"Is everything okay?" I take off my scarf and drape it over one of his dining chairs, then walk over to him.

"I'm okay."

I put my hand on his forehead again, because of course the one thing I forgot to buy was a thermometer. Thankfully, his fever is down and not coming back so far.

"Your fingers are nice and cold." Kieran melts against my hand and lets out a deep sigh. It’s taking everything in me to not run my fingers through his hair and pet him the same way I’d pet Mr. Muffin.

I want to touch him. All the time. Watch him lean into it and relax.

"Do you want to tell me why you're staring outside so wistfully?" I take a seat next to him and try to follow his gaze. Maybe there’s a particularly fascinating snow formation somewhere I missed.

His friends' houses are lighting up in the distance, warm light streaming out through their windows. So close, yet so far.

"It's nothing."

I stare at his profile and cross my arms in front of my chest. "Want to try that again?"

"Not really." He shrugs and stares at my reflection in the window. "Judging by that pout, you're not going to let this go, are you?"

"Not a chance." Dick nudges his way between us and climbs into Kieran's lap, putting his head on his shoulder.

"I'm worried," he admits, running his hands through Dick’s fur. "You know, after... everything." He makes a vague gesture towards the window. "This is the first place in forever that truly feels like home." His arms tighten around Dick. "I don't know how to describe it, but my mind is at peace here, and I haven't felt peace in forever." His voice turns hoarse, and he clears his throat. "But they don't know."

"Don't know about what?"