A Ring Kept Close

"I'm not crying..." Celine's eyes were rimmed red, and she didn't know how to explain.

"Hmm?" Vance waited for her answer.

But she couldn't say it. She was afraid he'd laugh at her, afraid he'd think she was childish, afraid he'd think such a small gesture could win her over so easily, that the novelty would wear off quickly...

She held it in, tears brimming in her eyes, forcing herself to appear