Chapter 82. A Point

"Is something bothering you lately, Garrett?"

That night, as Garrett and Elice hid under the covers in the dim light of the remaining lamp in the room, the question sounded faint. It greeted Garrett's sense of hearing and made him turn to Elice. She shuffled closer, approaching him, and Garrett greeted her with outstretched arms. He let Elice rest her head on his arm and reflexively planted a kiss on her forehead. It was a gesture that had become habit without command.

"I always have something on my mind."

Elice's eyes closed briefly, enjoying the gentle touch on her head. But when her eyes opened again, Elice's voice was back.

"That's not what I meant. I know you always have a lot to think about. But this feels different," Elice said, lifting her head slightly. She looked at Garrett. "Do you have a problem?"

Could what Garrett was thinking about now be classified as a problem? To be honest, Garrett wasn't sure if he should even be thinking about it.