She knew that wasn’t true. He was more than capable of rowing to the island. He probably thought she wouldn’t make it and he didn’t want her to get any madder with herself. She probably should have been annoyed, but in fact she was touched. Nothing in life felt secure or smooth at the moment. There were moments when she was beginning to doubt her ability to cope, so it was true that not making it to the island wouldn’t do anything for her mood or confidence.

She followed, watching his shoulders flex as he paddled. She wished she could keep paddling, just like this, with only the birds and the water to keep them company and the rest of her horrible, messed-up life back on the shore behind her. Everything seemed simpler, somehow, when she was out on the water.

They paddled until the sun started to burn their skin and then Aiden gestured and they maneuvered into a small creek. There, hidden by tall reeds and bulrushes, was a small dock.

“Dad built it last summer.” Aiden clambered out of the kayak and tied it up. Then he leaned down to help her. “We’ll leave the kayaks here and walk. I know a great place. And I have chocolate and some of Mum’s shortbread.” He patted the pocket in his jacket and she laughed.

“Are you ever without food?”

“Not if I can help it.” He held out his hand and she took it, not because she needed his help but because she liked the feel of his skin against hers, and the way he held her so tightly. She was pretty sure that everyone else in her life would give her a big hard push given half a chance. It felt good to have someone so determined to keep her safe and keep her close. She knew she’d never forget how kind he’d been to her the night before. She’d rushed away from everyone and he’d followed her. They’d sat together on the dock until the sky turned from blue to black, until the sun was replaced by stars.

He’d made her feel less alone, and he was making her feel that way now.

“Watch your legs on the nettles.” Still holding her hand, he led the way along a path and after five minutes of walking they left the trees behind and reached the edge of a meadow. It was a sea of color, wildflowers swaying in the breeze.

“This is very cool.” She was about to sit down on the soft grass when Aiden stopped her.

“Wait.” He threw down his coat. “You don’t want to be bitten by insects.”

“No one likes me enough to pay me that much attention.” She meant it as a joke, but saw him looking at her. “What?”

“I don’t understand why you’re being so hard on yourself.”