I don't wanna either

Alaric turned to look at Elowen, who was being helped over by a nurse. He felt a bit exasperated - why did it seem like Elowen had been clinging to him more and more lately? Didn't she dislike him?

"Are you leaving, Alaric?" Elowen asked, limping towards him.

Alaric nodded. "Did you get the results? How is it?"

Elowen smiled. "Nothing serious. Just a sprain. The doctor said I'll be fine after a few days of rest. Thanks for bringing me to the hospital."

"No problem, it's the least I could do." Alaric seemed distracted. He really didn't want to keep talking with Elowen. He felt uneasy and exhausted, not wanting to keep up this charade. The guilt was making him anxious.

"Alaric, what's wrong?" Elowen asked, noticing his spaced-out expression.

Alaric snapped back to reality and shook his head. "It's nothing. I should get going."

Elowen grabbed his arm, looking down. "Could you take me home? It's not easy for me to manage alone like this."

Alaric glanced at his watch, hesitating. He was to