the end is nigh - what a relief

Sebastian wasn't certain if he should be surprised or relieved she didn't leave. But he'd offered her an encouraging smile nonetheless as she sorted out the spot he'd pointed to for the tray.

Fortune enough for her, Sebastian did not hear anything specific. Instead, he shifted and tipped his head to try and catch the words. But nothing but a murmur really hit him. Was he meant to hear it? Maker, was he supposed to ask her to repeat herself? Would she? The air felt a bit different than it had been before she'd disappeared. Not too much, but... enough.

While he'd intended to begin getting up as she had her back turned, planned to grab the robe hanging nearby... the thought flit from his mind. Rather he found himself caught up in watching her back, glimpsing of her hands shifting back and forth as she worked to put the tea together. Maybe he should...

The thought to offer help dropped away into the void when she spoke. The water suddenly felt chilly in the wake of her words. Or perhaps scalding? Either way, he couldn't quite place it and it chased him up and out of the tub. His stress, his trouble it could wait. It could always wait.

Told... Aoife, what's going on? Uncaring of the water, and forgetting to grab his robe, he crossed the small distance to touch her shoulder.