"I'm worried about you," Coby whispered to Jodie. "You don't look so good."
Her lashes fluttered open and swept up to him. She smiled. "I'm just very sleepy. It's nothing serious."
His lips pressed together. "You're pale. Why? What did she do to you?"
"Coby, let's not gnaw her with questions, okay?" Ms. Van cut in quickly, walking closely beside them as he carried Jodie closer to the den. "Everything is just like I told you. She went for a walk and fainted from exhaustion. Viola did nothing but help her."
He cuts her a weary glance. "You didn't say of that. You rushed into my home and said Jodie was in trouble."
"Oh, that was all? But I'm sure I mentioned it," she pretended to ponder. "You must've forgotten."
"Or you must've thought you told me, Ms. Van, it's fine," his gaze drifted back to Jodie's with a smile. "If you say you just need rest, then rest you shall. The goddess knows we all need it. It's been a terrible week."
