The Sway and Slide of Love by Jean Song

Even though Dylan sounded calm, Noelle could feel an underlying pressure in his words.

She paused for a moment before responding, "It's not what you think-"

"I know," Dylan quickly said with a smile. "You don't need to be so nervous. Others might not understand the situation between you and Hendrix, but I do. He must have had someone trick you into going there, right? And no matter what, you'd never abandon Rosie. So, I believe you."

He spoke patiently, sounding as if he was offering Noelle an explanation for herself. Yet, at the same time, it felt as if he was placing a heavy burden on her.

"You probably didn't sleep a wink last night, right? Go get some rest now," Dylan added as he stood up. "I'll head back to my room now."

Noelle nodded.

But as Dylan passed by her, he suddenly stopped and took a step closer to her. The sudden closeness startled Noelle, and she instinctively took a step back. Dylan couldn't help but chuckle at her reaction. "Did I scare you?"

His voice carried a hint of teasing, but there was also a trace of self-deprecation.

Noelle suddenly froze. She opened her mouth to explain, but before she could say anything, he said, "Don't worry. I wasn't planning on doing anything. Go get some rest."

With that, he turned and left.

bit lost. It was a long moment

still asleep on the bed. She seemed to be feeling insecure, as she was curled

heart when she saw her like this. After a moment, she lay

was nowhere to

ever since that night, Rosie refused to play with anyone else She clung to Noelle

en

was her fault for not giving Rosie enough sense of security.

simply

vacation ended, they returned

at some point, was already inside when

was sitting on the couch,

Rosie immediately ran over,

the resort. belongs to

into a lively

of

glancing at Noelle out of