Realizing he couldn't deny it, Forrest admitted, "I mentioned Alick briefly while talking to Willie. Why does that upset you?"

Annis's sensitivity was understandable. Although Camila had explained why Alick was unreachable, Annis still found it odd but couldn't quite articulate her unease.

"No, you didn't just mention him in passing. That statement clearly had significance," Annis insisted, her gaze intense.

Forrest felt exposed. “Don't ask me about it," he said, attempting to walk away.

However, Annis was not ready to let him go. She grabbed his arm and firmly said, "You can't leave!"