Shedding

Photo source: pixabay

When I confirm her suspicions, she stiffens. As I stroke her shoulder and explain how I couldn’t help myself, she glares stonily, making it clear without speaking that I am shut out.

She cries silently: no sobs or shuddering of the shoulders, simply liquid seeping from her eyes. When I wipe away a caramel-coloured tear, it stains my fingers and feels sticky like sap.