When we arrived at Derek's place, it took several trips to haul everything to my room. Noelle helped me unpack, talking casually about the shopping and how much fun it had been. Once everything was hung and organized, she went back to her place to get ready for the party that night. Before she left, I apologized.
"Noelle, I'm sorry about today. I didn't mean to pry into your head that way. I can't control it. I'm so sorry I made you remember that day and made you sad."
She looked at me in astonishment and drew me into a firm hug. "You stop being silly right now. I was already thinking of that day. You didn't cause it, seeing that man who looked like my brother did. There's no need to apologize. Now try to relax and get some rest before the party."
I could feel her absolute sincerity and it helped put me at ease. Noelle was an extraordinary person. I nodded in agreement, but after she was gone I drew myself a hot bath and climbed in for a soak.
