Don't look behind you

Jo

I couldn't help but pity the poor girl as she stared through the window, forcing herself as close to the wall as possible. Almost as though she was trying to somehow become part of the little house, and stay there forever.

After far longer than just "one minute" she finally knocked on the door of the carriage that Lady Crowell provided us with. I opened the door, shocked to see that she was completely soaked.

"My goodness Fleur, what on earth are you doing?"

"I- I couldn't find my umbrella" she mumbled

"You should have asked, and I would've lent you mine"

"Oh no! It's really no trouble"

"Well, it's certainly seems like trouble. You're going to catch a dreadful cold like that."

Why did she lie about the umbrella?
I remember it leaning against the wall, ready for her.

I look across at her, and notice how her bottom lip is quivering, how her checks still seem wet though they ought to have dried by now.

Suddenly it makes sense.

"Do not be ashamed of your tears" I tell her "besides, not even the rain can provide a mask to hide your emotions behind."

She stares at me, "Sorry" she looks down at her feet in shame, as if expecting some kind of punishment.

"I'm not here to hurt you, Fluer" I reminded the frail girl.

"I know. Sorry." She said, looking up at me now.

"Do stop apologising, it's getting rather bothersome" I advise, smiling at her.

And she just smiles back.