Validia was still clutching the thin cloth to her chest.
But this time, she looked straight at Nathan.
Those large eyes were clear—too clear, it was terrifying.
No anger. No sadness.
Only… honest confusion.
"Nathan…" she whispered softly.
Nathan swallowed, instinctively bracing himself.
That voice was way too gentle for a body that massive.
"I don't know why…" Validia began.
"But every time you all bathe together…
when you touch each other…
and smile…
and laugh…"
She bit her lower lip.
Her fingers clenched the cloth even tighter.
"My chest… it burns."
Nathan froze. Too afraid to respond wrong.
Validia continued.
"It's not painful," she said, tilting her head slightly.
"But it feels like something's boiling inside. Like… like I'm being cooked."
Nathan instinctively took half a step back.
But Validia leaned forward instead.
"I want to hug you. Really tight.
Until I feel better."
She chuckled quietly—but the sound felt… off.
