41 In the dark (AVOT)

"Well…" Daisy's brows furrowed thoughtfully in the dim light. She delicately broached a topic he had briefly mentioned before their union. "You said you had a brother," Her voice was soft, filled with caution because of his use of the past tense.

His golden eyes seemed to dim a little as they met hers. "Yes," he replied, his tone mirroring her quietude.

"And what happened to him?" She asked, her whisper barely disturbing the silence that blanketed the room.

His gaze lowered, retreating from the intimacy of their shared silence. The brief pause before he answered was filled with a painful recollection. "He was sick," he responded.

"Your parents too?" She continued to tread.

"Yes," he confirmed.

"And how old were you when…" she trailed off, letting the unsaid hang in the air.