Ellen heard the door open, but remained immobile, lying on her side. She could feel Samuel's gaze on her, taking a good hard look.
"You need to come out. Get some fresh air." His voice seemed distant and guarded.
She didn't reply.
He approached, pausing by her bedside before lying down beside her. Ellen shuddered as he curled around her, but still, she refused to look at him. For awhile they stayed there; her, fighting her misery, him, breathing in her scent.
"Come outside, Ellen." He persisted. "If not for me, for Robert."
She caught the hard tone and whipped around, eyes wide in surprise.
"You think I fancied Robert?!" She hissed quietly. Samuel was slightly taken aback.
Her jaw relaxed in astonishment; her mouth opened. He actually thinks so.
"I'm not mourning, I'm guilt-stricken. I didn't fancy him! He saved my life, the least I could do was return the favor!" Her voice cracked.
It wasn't the whole truth. She did think that something might have happened, but he died before it could. She felt guilt for that, but she felt guilty for ever even fantasizing about doing something so foolish.
"Oh, Ellen." He said softly, letting her cry into his shoulder.
She sniffled, and Samuel looked at her with kind eyes. "It isn't your fault. There was nothing anyone could do. No one is to blame."
I don't believe you, her tear-laden eyes said. He hugged her.
"Come outside, darling. With me."
She felt another wave of depression coming, like she was bound to the spot and could only watch the blackness come towards her like a wave. Yet she nodded, and let herself be feebly led downstairs, into the harsh light.