Noticing Sylvia sleeping peacefully, Eric stood up to make her some soup.

Upon his return, Sylvia was already awake and looking directly at him. Feeling a touch of guilt, he asked, "Um, is everything alright?"

'Has she found out that I was going to touch her hand last night?' Eric thought. He only now realized how inappropriate his thoughts had been.

He approached her bed and set the soup beside her. Sylvia glanced at him and uttered, "Nothing."

Sylvia suddenly noticed fresh, deep nail marks on Eric's right hand. She frowned and stretched out her hand, asking, "What's wrong with your hand? Show me."

Eric extended his hand, allowing Sylvia to inspect the scratches on its back.

She gently placed her hand on his, her face slightly reddening. "I apologize... I had a nightmare last night."

"What kind of nightmare?" Eric asked.

Sylvia sighed at his inability to read between the lines. She took her hand away and said, "I'm hungry."

Eric was at a loss for words.

Sylvia seemed to be