Samantha's mind went blank. She retracted her hand abruptly and hid it behind her, saying, "I… I thought you were..."
After a pause, she refrained from continuing her sentence and saying 'a bad guy'. Instead, she changed her sentences and said, "Sorry, I didn't see you clearly."
Timothy could discern that all of her earlier movements were a conditioned reflex. It was the same with the special needles she used to protect herself.
The ache in his heart intensified even more.
Samantha started to worry a little when she saw Timothy's silence and sour expression. She stretched out her hand hesitantly and stroked his cheek gently. "I didn't hurt you, did I? I'm sorry if I did... I didn't mean it at all."
Her punch did not hurt that much but she stroked him in such a gentle manner that Timothy inadvertently blurted out, "It hurts."
Samantha was speechless and a little guilty, but she could not keep herself from muttering, "Why didn't you dodge then?"
