***CAUTION! - TRIGGER WARNING! - (Themes of assault & domestic abuse are present in this chapter)***
At some point, while they were eating, James began to talk. It was understood that Cadence wanted to hear whatever he wished to share. He told her about seeing Belinda in her hospital room and recounted their tense conversation. He expressed his guilt as a brother at not having any idea what she had been going through. James even told her about his dream and how he'd forgotten how close he once was with his sister. Cadence listened so fully and compassionately in a way that's difficult for most people to do. She did not interrupt, even though she had questions. She fetched him tissues when tears threatened. She held his hand when it seemed he needed strength to continue. Eventually he had nothing else to say, so she held him until his breathing sounded more calm.
Then, Cadence said "We'd better get ready soon."
