Gifts

Once Greta left, August turned to Graeme. "What's with all the wood?"

"I thought you might be uncomfortable taking a shower out in the open," Graeme replied, meeting her eyes. "Did something happen while I was gone?"

"Another fever," August nodded. "Your sister told you, didn't she?"

"She did," he confirmed, walking closer to look her over. "Are you okay?"

"I could see her—her energy or whatever. Like I could see yours. I could see the whole forest," she replied, waiting for Graeme to show the same surprise that she herself felt at the revelation. Graeme didn't respond to it but searched her face, which looked ashamed for some reason. "It seemed to heal me," she added softly, "But then… I," her voice broke. "I don't know what happened. I just—I just wanted to help her. I'm sorry," she looked down into her deceivingly normal-looking hands.