Big Salmon Lake i played soldier, you played king

a few drops of water escaped as he tapped the side of his head, his ear thankful for the relief of pressure. he switched to the other ear as she spoke, yet remained focused on the stranger and her words. she apologized and he gave a shrug, unbothered by her laughter. if anything, it gave him a small sense of satisfaction.

she went on to share a fear, one which he thought realistic enough, but troublesome to have. "afraid of it like ya can't drink it, or don't like swimming in it?" his tone was curious yet genuine. the latter of the two made more sense, but who was he to assume.