Abel did not know how it happened or when she had reached the turning point. He had long broken eye contact as he tried to hide the tears gathering in his eyes, concentrating on steadying his trembling voice.
It happened so fast.
He just felt someone throw their arms around him, sobbing.
Despite the fact that logically it could only be Hilsa, Abel found himself momentarily confused.
But then he reasserted control... just to make sure. Maybe she was so touched to the point of comforting her would-be kidnapper. Highly unlikely, but still...
"Do you remember that... tell me, do you?" Abel asked desperately.
Her answer did not come immediately.
He felt her arms tighten around him... he could hear her choking back a sob.
"I do, Abel... I remember everything."
Suddenly, Abel felt as though his heart had stopped... then again, he felt as though his ears were deceiving him.
The words had been whispered, after all.
