Sleepy Fox Hollow world

Fiona remained relaxed, calm, and collected. Her stance was neutral, and she listened and waited until he stopped speaking. Interruption would do her no good; she knew that much. Would you prefer it if I ignore you when you approach? she asked, her tone genuine. If that made him more comfortable and less likely to lose it, she would gladly take that route.

She still could not help but wonder what it was about him that made him this way. The witch reached back to the conversation she had overheard between him and Etienne. How he had poked fun at Etienne's grandmothers for their love. Perhaps it was a love Anselm had never felt before. Had his own mother been distant? His father? Questions she would not ask aloud, and answers she would not get so long as he kept her at a distance.