Chapter 59

Guilt burned slow in Errol's middle, making his food tasteless. Was it that he didn't know or more like he just didn't pay attention?

Had Nael not joined the swimming club because he was too busy looking after him? Did Nael feel like he had to fulfill a duty even to his own detriment?

Nael tilted his head as he studied Errol's downcast expression. "Is something wrong?"

"Why didn't you join the swimming club? Is it because..."

"Of you?" Nael completed, leaning over to steal Errol's sandwiches. "No, I just have too much schoolwork to pay attention to it right now, the club will be fine even if I don't join for two months." He tagged on, reaching out to swipe another of Errol's sandwiches.

"Hands off, if you wanted some, you should have gotten for yourself." He scolded hoarding his plate of sandwiches.

He could taste the sweet apple and soft bread, and tender chicken again, the guilt bleeding out.