Chapter 217. Freedom at What Cost?

Sooner than she would have liked, they arrived at the library. She glanced back at them once before she pushed open the doors and left them slightly open for them to listen through-but not be seen.

Martin had his head bent over a thick book in his favorite chair where he always was. He glanced up at her when he heard her small steps approaching him almost hesitantly.

"Doris. I didn't expect to see you here." Martin stood.

"I still love the library, it's one of my favorite places." Doris smiled up at him. It seemed to defrost his harsh side just a bit. "What are you reading today?"

"Oh," He lifted the red book. "Just another collection of poems I found. I quite like this one. Did you ever read the one I had gifted you?"

Doris felt her cheeks redden. She was fifty percent sure that William had discarded the book pretty early on in their journey-but she could never tell him that. "Oh! Yes, yes. I loved it. Thank you again for gifting me such a lovely bo