He sits next to me, and my heart starts to race. I’m afraid he might hear it. It’s deafening to me. Second only to the sound of my erratic breathing.

I’m trying as hard as I can to keep my poker face. Getting used to people and allowing them closer is the hardest thing. You’d think it would become easier every time you do it. But it’s not like that for me. Not at all.

My skin pickles every time someone I don’t know looks at me. My breath hitches when they close the distance between us. My mind empties, my hands shake and sweat, and I no longer hear anything.

On the outside, I look completely normal.

A blank stare is enough to fool anyone. You just have to do it right.

“I can’t imagine being her age and losing something I find comfort in,” I say, only after I’m sure my voice won’t shake.

But I can imagine. I know what it’s like to see things no child should. The only consolation is that Olivia doesn’t have to live as I did.

Elias takes a deep breath, burying one of his big hands in his curly hair. I can tell by his body language how stressed he is. By the way his brows furrow, lost deep in thought, and how he rubs his shoulder. He doesn’t realize how much he’s revealing his vulnerability.

The guy loves his sister like she’s his own child.

“She talks about you every day, you know?” The corners of his mouth twitch up as he surveys the garden. “Does she… I mean, does she talk about me with you?”

The weight on my shoulders lifts as soon as the conversation is no longer focused on me.

“Yeah,” I say. And it’s true. “She said how cool her brother is, but nothing about you being a tree therapist.”

I didn’t intend to sound funny, but he cracks a laugh, his gaze now piercing mine.

“Fair enough,” he smiles, continuing to stare. His focus moving from one eye to the other.

Left. Right. Left. Right.

He must think I’m different, I know. Elias seems like a curious man, but too respectful to ask questions about my eye color. Just as his gaze has lingered for a little too long, he sits up straight and turns back to the garden.

“I’m not going to stay long,” he says.

“If it helps with whatever you want to do, you’re free to come and go whenever you like.”

He nods, getting ready to see Mushroom. He takes a few steps before I stop him.

“And, Elias?”

He turns, waiting for me to speak.

“Next time, you can go directly to the tree.”