Wordlessly, he took the towel from her grasp, tending to her with gentle motions.

He ventured cautiously, “Are you upset?"

She didn't respond verbally but reached out for a second towel, a move halted by Mark.

Gently, he enveloped her with a dry towel, cradling her from behind.

Softly, he whispered reassurances into her ear, hoping to bridge the widening rift.

Cecilia pivoted to face him, avoiding the sensitive topic, she remarked, "I'm hungry."

Understanding the need for a temporary truce, Mark let her dress before they sat down for a meal.

The atmosphere was thick with unsaid words until Cecilia, gathering her courage, addressed the heart of the matter.

"Mark," she began, “your words earlier hurt. While Peter may be a confidant, our personal life is not a topic for casual banter."

Her voice conveyed the depth of her embarrassment, now knowing how to face Peter in the future.

Mark studied Cecilia's face, searching for any hint of emotion.

"Why did I even say that?" he mumbled, the weight of regret heavy in his voice.

"I'm really sorry."

Cecilia could sense his genuine remorse. Why hold on to this? She thought.

Still, her mild fever and general discomfort overshadowed the situation.

She focused on her meal instead.

After a few moments of silence, Mark hesitated, and then whispered, “I already called back home. You should stay over tonight."

Cecilia looked up sharply, determination in her eyes.

“I want to go home."

He brushed a hand over her forehead, concern evident in his eyes.