Wade worked near the corral, replacing a broken board. His hammer struck the wood in a slow, steady rhythm, each blow carrying across the empty land. The sky remained clear. No riders appeared. No dust trails rose in the distance.
Still, Seiya kept looking toward the horizon. Years of danger had taught her to expect pursuit even after the threat seemed gone. When Wade finished the repair, he returned to the cabin for water. He reached toward the dipper beside the bucket, then stopped. Seiya was gathering her few belongings into a small bundle tied with a strip of cloth.
His hand remained suspended above the water. you thinking about leaving? There was no surprise in his voice, only quiet acceptance of what he saw. Seiya tightened the knot with hands that knew how to pack quickly. My son is strong enough to travel now," she said without looking at him. "
He can't stay here forever. Wade set the dipper aside and folded his arms loosely. This place isn't forcing you out," he said. " You know that. Seiya looked up, her body tightened again.
I can't take your roof, your food, your work, and give nothing back. Where I come from, nothing is free. I owe you more than I could ever repay. Wade stepped closer, though he kept a respectful distance. You don't owe me anything, he said firmly.
Not for yesterday, not for today. Seiya held his gaze, weighing those words against everything fear had taught her. I offered myself to you, she said. You never answered. You refused to decide.
I did decide. Wade corrected her. I decided I won't take something offered out of desperation. The words struck harder than she expected. Not because he rejected her.
She understood rejection. What she did not understand was a man protecting her dignity in a way she had almost forgotten existed. After months of surviving danger alone, she did not know what to make of someone who expected nothing in return. Seiya swallowed hard, her throat tightened. You don't know me," she said quietly. "
You don't know what I had to become to keep him alive. I can't just leave without. Yes, you can, Wade interrupted gently. And you will if leaving is what you choose. There was something in his voice Seiya had never heard from a man offering shelter.