Olivia's body trembled, her breath catching as his words sank in.
Strip down? Here? In front of him?
The suggestion sent a dizzying wave through her, her mind reeling at the idea of baring herself, even partially, to her son. Her heart pounded, the openness of the village suddenly feeling like a chasm she wasn't ready to cross.
But before she could spiral, Kafka's eyes widened, catching the panic in her gaze, and he quickly backpedaled, his tone reassuring.
"Whoa, not like that, Mom! I'm not saying get naked or anything. Just...lose the vest, maybe unbutton your shirt a bit. You'll feel freer, breathe easier. That's all."
Olivia let out a shaky breath, relief flooding her as she realized he wasn't suggesting anything scandalous.
The thought of stripping naked in front of him had made her head spin, a line she couldn't imagine crossing, no matter how open this village was.
