"Are you feeling better now?" Ethan asked, passing her a glass of water.
Kathrine nodded, though the movement was hesitant, and took it from him. She stared at the glass for a few seconds before lifting it to her lips, as if even that small act required effort.
Ethan circled the table and sat across from her, watching her too closely to miss the way her fingers trembled.
"I don't think you're fine," he said finally, pushing his chair back. "I'll call the doctor."
The sudden scrape startled her. Before he could stand, Kathrine reached out and caught his wrist.
"Please… there's no need," she said quickly. "I'm fine. See?"
She took a deliberate sip of water, then another, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Ethan froze. This wasn't how he had imagined the morning going. All he wanted was to make breakfast, something simple, something normal. Instead, he had somehow shaken her without even realizing how deep it went.
