Compassion vs Indifference
Seren lifted the tray containing the empty bowl and glass, ready to leave, but Jena stopped her before she could open the door.
"Thank you for everything," she said gratefully. "It's been a long time since anyone treated me this kindly."
Jena's condition had improved significantly since Seren began caring for her. She was no longer bound by chains, and her bruises had begun to heal. Her face now held a spark of life that had been absent before.
"It's the least I can do," Seren replied, offering a warm smile.
Jena lowered her gaze, her expression hesitant as if wrestling with her thoughts. Sensing her uncertainty, Seren made to leave, but her voice stopped her.
"I... I ran away from home and was kidnapped by bandits," Jena confessed, her words heavy with emotion. "I've been with them for the last five years."
Seren set the tray down and moved closer to her, sitting beside her on the bed.