Jerica sighed, her hand pausing in his hair. "The coffee smelled nice," she admitted, her tone light but forced. "But it didn't taste nearly as good."
Jared lifted his head slightly, giving her a sharp look. "Coffee isn't breakfast, Jerica," he said, his tone carrying a mixture of exasperation and worry.
Jerica offered a small, sheepish smile before sinking into the chair beside his bed. She avoided his gaze, her hands resting idly in her lap.
Jared studied her closely, his brows knitting together. "What is it?" he asked, his voice softening. He reached out to touch her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. "You look so…" He hesitated, his words trailing off as if searching for something less harsh than what he wanted to say.
