Chapter 5:

The Spouses’ Realization

more bonus stories of the blood briars


“I thought he was dangerous,” one spouse admitted.

“I thought he was judging me,” another added.

“He was,” a sister said.

Beckett, from across the room: “…still am.”

Silence.

Then laughter.

Shift in Perspective

“He doesn’t talk much,” one spouse said.

“But when he does…” another added.

“It matters,” the first finished.

They all nodded.