Rolan just happily took the slap Rose gave him. Later, he wheeled her to a more secure part of the beach. His quiet steps danced beside her. He gently brought her hand over his face, then looked at her and said,
"You can slap me a second time, Rose. Slap me. I'm not afraid. I'm giving you permission. Hate me if you want, but I'll still make you feel something. You shouldn't hate me, Rose. Not for any reason."
Rose began to bite her lip, chest rising and falling rapidly. She could hear both her own heartbeat and his. She didn't know how to feel—only that she felt like she was floating.
Rose pouted her lips, tried to compose herself, and looked away. "Rolan, get back to normal. Don't look at me with those eyes."
Her emotions were a mess. Why couldn't she let go of Rolan? Why did everything he said affect her so deeply? She should let go. That's how it should be. But no—his words, his voice, his actions—they all still shook her.
