Sleepy Fox Hollow Just long enough to overthink.

Etienne’s sorrowed gaze painted half the picture, and his words spoke the rest. 

To Anselm, everything he shared was unspeakable horror. This narrative opened a new world for the narrow-minded man, who up until now had only ever looked at Etienne through the lenses of how he played into his own life. But there was a whole side of Etienne who existed before he’d ever encountered Anselm — and that side was fleetingly seen. 

There was a long silence between them. Anselm thought of the grandmother - and to himself, how she must have been a striking creature if she resembled Etienne at all. 

Finally, he found his voice. He wanted to say he would kill any bear that touched Etienne — but his vulnerability was not quite there yet.  I am sorry. Your family must miss you.