the gravel of his voice is comforting, and how willingly he accepts belief. she wouldn't have minded a man who did not believe as strongly, or at all, as she did but even in her sorrow she could not help but smile if a little. and then — ah —

he had reached for her. shamefully, her lungs seize with his touch. it ignites a fire she had never felt and yet must painfully, ruefully, deny the pitter-pattering of her heart to mean anything. she did not know this man, she reminds herself. she only recognizes him — but she does not know what it is in his heart. only God. yes, only God knows, and he will show it to her only with time.
but eve allows it. forgives it, just for now, she tells herself and smiles at him, a full smile.

it is my fault — i had not listened when my family called. it was foolishness that killed me. her eyes avert from his, just a moment, to stare at the snow. but i'll believe you when you say no more harm will come to me. i just only wish the same for them. and then, the woman chuckles. oh, dear but do not swear to me — i believe you without it.