Returning to the Neutral Zone
While Darlene was feeling dejected over her concerns for a possible future where she was left behind and abandoned, a sudden hand gently rested on her head, snapping her out of her thoughts.
"Is there something you need, Leon?" Darlene asked with a startled look before doing her best to fix her expression.
Leon already had his hands full of problems to deal with. She could not bring herself to be selfish and ask Leon for his help in making her stronger.
"You've been looking a bit down lately. Why don't you tell me what's the matter?" Leon said while giving Darlene's head a gentle rub.
"Have I?" Darlene hid her emotion with a bright smile before adding, "Hubby is just imagining things. You don't need to mind and just do what you need to do."
"My dear, it's fine to be a bit more selfish, you know?" Leon responded, having seen through her fake smile.