Big Salmon Lake frost on her pillow

she gazed at him, and he became unnerved. rigidly he awaited her answer, but when it came, he was relieved -- never did he dream that finley would lie to him, but of course the secret she guarded was daunting indeed. not knowing of whom she spoke, he searched her face for something aside from sorrow, and found nothing. "i am sorry, finley. loss cuts with a bitter sword." 

his stance was open. inviting, should she need his proverbial and literal shoulder on which to rest her grieving head.