MERRITT OFFERED TO take Caris out to eat after the debriefing, and he wasn't surprised when she accepted. Her demeanor was altered, and it wasn't due to the arguing, shouting and chaos of the meeting. She was preoccupied and anxious, and he noticed her hands trembled. She was as laconic at dinner as she had ever been, however, and they ate in silence for a while.
"You want to talk about it?" he asked. When she didn't hear his question for the second time, he placed his hand on hers.
"Hey," she said, pulling her hand away.
Merritt raised his hands. "Just trying to get your attention."
"Oh. Sorry."
"It sometimes helps to talk things through."
Caris sighed and closed her eyes. "I know. I do know that. It's just I'm not used to ..."
" ... feeling bad about stuff?" Merritt offered.
"Fee
