77 Going Separate Ways

She hugged him and hoped that it would help. Her dad used to say that a warm hug even if it comes from a stranger is enough to help a person drowning in sorrows or pain or guilt. Hence she just did it and hoped that it would work. She prayed that he would not break himself away and look at her in disgust or anything that screamed she had no right to do that.

When he tightened his hold she sighed in relief and smiled.

Time passed by and eventually, Drake let go. This time Shirley did not stop him. He looked at her in wonder and open his mouth to ask her why would she do that but words eluded him.

'How do you… I mean why…' he stopped when he realized that he could not form a single sentence. Shirley laughed at his little predicament and answered his poorly formed question. She knew what he wanted to ask anyway.

'You needed it.' Drake felt as if he was hit by an invisible force.

How could she know that?