Your Husband

Bel nodded her head rapidly, trying to get Mallory to stop apologizing so much. "It's fine," she replied. "I wasn't that thirsty, and you weren't gone for that long."

Mallory didn't seem to believe Bel's words, but she didn't apologize anymore. Bel stretched out her hand to take the water, and Mallory eagerly watched her. Bel took a sip, then another, until she drank as much as she needed. With the cup empty, she placed it back on the tray. Mallory nodded and tried to take the tray.

"No, leave the water. I would most likely want some later," she said to the young girl.

Mallory nodded and took a step back. She looked as though she wanted to say something, but she simply took a step forward and carried the empty dishes. She nodded again and headed for the door.