After the light-hearted conclusion of their conversation, silence descended once again in the dark study room.
Actually, to call it dark would be over the top. For Lucas and Estrella, the room might as well have been under the light from the rays of the sun.
The silence was less gloomy, also less heavy. It became more comfortable.
After a while, Lucas spoke in a faint voice:
"Go get busy, I want to be alone."
Estrella looked at him, then responded in a voice just as soft:
"Alright, I will come back later. Call me if you need anything."
She stood up, and came beside him. She bent down, placed a kiss on his cheek. The contact brought a little vitality to his heart, and he turned to look at her departing figure.
A slight smile lingered on his lips until he returned his gaze to the ceiling and resumed his neutral expression.
*** ***
