Erwin Jackson held Lyra Smith very tightly.
Lyra tried to break free to talk to him properly.
But the force with which Erwin was holding her, as if trying to crush her into his body, reminded her of the last time someone hugged her like that: her Uncle.
"Erwin, Erwin--"
Lyra called out weakly twice.
She tried to move her hands upwards, but couldn't muster the strength. Finally, she gave up and said helplessly, "Erwin, can you let go of me first? You're holding me so tight, it's uncomfortable."
Erwin didn't respond, as if he hadn't heard her. Lyra even thought that his emotions must have made him lose control and not hear her.
Fortunately, Erwin still had his reason. Reluctantly, he released Lyra and apologized, "Sorry."
Now free, Lyra stretched her limbs. "Well, I accept your apology, but you were holding me too tightly just now. I can't just disappear with a swoosh like magic. I'm right in front of you; let's just talk properly."
As she spoke, she rubbed her arms.
