After a moment of quiet joy, Rudy let out a small chuckle and wiped the corners of his eyes.
"I gotta go take a sh—ahem. I'll go freshen up," he corrected smoothly. "Then let's grab some lunch."
With that, he left, leaving Melody and Michael alone in the room.
"Thank you," Michael said, a sincere smile playing on his lips. Having seen how she'd handled Rudy—with unexpected gentleness and tact—he couldn't think of anything else to say.
"I didn't do it for you," Melody replied. Still, a complicated look danced behind her sapphire eyes. "Those scars… Rudy must've been a slave before he came here. And not one who was well cared for."
Michael nodded.
"I haven't asked him about it—and I don't plan to. I think we should just move on. Pretend it never happened."
"Mmm, probably for the best," Melody agreed softly.
The two fell into a companionable silence until Michael broke it.
"I thought you didn't like Rudy. You're always pulling faces whenever he talks or acts up."
