36 – Smile
She wakes up with her hands outstretched, trying to hold on to the fading afterimages of the dream. It is always the same: the same setup, the same desperation. The same earth-shattering, overwhelming loss.
Jaina knows the dead don't return. It breaks her every time.
Jag is instantly awake although she makes no sound. (Years of training for both of them.) "Are you alright, Jay?"
Passing her arm over her eyes, Jaina takes a deep breath and turns to face him. She can see his frown even in the dim darkness.
"Don't. Don't smile when you don't feel like it."