There was an overwhelming hopelessness pressing down on her and Elsie had no idea what to do. It was miserable really and she hated this feeling. Elsie sighed softly when he protested. It should have made her feel better, but it didn't, the reality of the situation really settling over her. Hugging the book in her hands tighter, Elsie agonized over what to say, but everything she came up with had such finality to it, she couldn't bring herself to loose the words.

Not forever, he said, but she knew better. She didn't doubt him, of course she didn't, she had absolutely no reason to over the course of their relationship. However, Elsie understood the circumstances would cause them to drift. Without having those moments to keep them going, everything would simply slow until it stopped. They couldn't risk it though, they had gotten lucky it was Lucinda who'd walked in on them, even if she went about the whole thing terribly.

"I know," She managed finally, but it was barely more than a whisper. "I don't know what else to do, either." Her tone and the small smile she managed were both resigned, tinged with sadness and she hated that too.  The circumstances were not ideal and there was nothing they could do about it, not now. Just until things were different, but Elsie wasn't entirely sure what he meant by that.