"I already do," she replied softly.
His eyes flicked toward her, startled again.
There was something in her voice. Not pity. Not pressure. Just honest concern.
Then, finally, he spoke.
"I'm dealing with something."
Nnenna nodded slowly, a quiet sense of victory blooming in her chest. He admitted it. He actually admitted it.
"Anything I can do to help?" she asked, her voice hopeful, even a little eager.
I'm pretty smart, she told herself. Whatever it is, I can handle it. I can help.
But instead of a reply, Arthur gave her a look. A strange one, half surprised, half unreadable.
She blinked. "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?" she asked, reaching up to touch her cheek.
Arthur quickly looked away. "No… but thank you."
And with that, he stood up, thanked his parents and walked out of the dining hall without another word.
