I give Celeste's head a ruffle. "What happened wasn't your fault. So don't blame yourself."
"R-right..."
Celeste hesitates.
She glances towards the bench of the wagon, what we're both sitting on at the moment, and bites her lower lip, as if she is hesitant about something.
It is evident from her actions that she is struggling to voice some secret, some fear of hers, some worry, or anxiety.
Something is bothering her, that much is clear.
And whatever it is, it's getting in her way and distracting her.
So I ask.
"Celeste?"
She jumps a bit and turns back towards me with wide eyes, like a rabbit that's just spotted a fox. "Yes?" She asks, giving me a shaky, nervous smile.
"You...can tell me, you know. You can tell me anything. You don't have to bottle it up inside."
