[Discretion was a skill that many people needed to learn in this town and, after seeing the look in Sion's normally warm eyes when he came to from unconsciousness, Mattie knew it was something best left unsaid unless he brought it up himself. Whatever the situation was, it was too close to home for comfort-- and that was a feeling that Mattie knew all too well.

After all, hadn't she seen it one too many times, from people on the street and the man who dared to lay claim on the role of 'father' in her life? Hadn't she seen what happens when people were simply disrespected to their very core?

A light flush touched her fair cheeks at the offhand compliment Sion had paid her before his declaration of thanks and, though she brushed his fine hair out of the way and continued to work, she managed somehow to sputter out a reply.]

It's only natural to help someone who needs it, Sion. There's nothing you need to thank me for.

[Frowning, she dabbed once more at the wound and applied antiseptic before reaching for the gauze.]

Just don't wear out your welcome there. Folks don't like repeat patients, you know.