Marta whispered to herself, “Poor girl doesn’t sleep because her life already dreams for her.”

“I’m not worried.” His smile deepened, reassuring and final. “I like knowing where you are, that’s all. It helps me focus.” He reached across the table, brushed his thumb along the edge of her wrist where the new bracelet caught the light. “Next time, tell me first. I’ll make sure the streets are quieter for you.”

Her grandmother’s voice rasped against her fresh-laundered pillows, “...you mind who you give your quiet to. Anyone can love your beautiful laughter, but the right one will love your silence too.”