"Hayley---wake up."
She bolted from between the sheets as Maddie stepped through the door.
"You scared me---what's wrong?"
"It's almost noon." Maddie sat on the bed beside her.
"I didn't see you at all last evening. You ate dinner and came straight to your room. I'm sorry I intruded, but I was worried that you may be sick."
"I am fine in body. It is my spirit that needs lifting."
Maddie sat on the bed and touched her head as Hayley pulled away. Maddie gave her a look of surprise.
"What can I get you to eat?"
"I don't want anything."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Alright. I will come and check on you later."
"You don't have to worry about me. I'll be fine."
Hayley laid down in the bed as Maddie covered her with the blanket. "I love you sweetie." She bent down and kissed Hayley's forehead.
"Why?"
"Why do I love you?"
Hayley nodded.
"I love you because you are like a daughter to me, surely you know that."
"But I'm not your daughter."
Maddie looked away.
"Does it bother you thatI spoke the truth?"
"Of course not. I just don't like to think about it."
Maddie reached for Hayley's hand and squeezed it gently. "I'll leave you alone."
"Why is it you always manage to keep from talking to me?"
"That's nonsense---we talk all the time."
"Not about what really matters."
"What are you talking about?"
"You say you love me, but refuse to let me know who you really are."
"Who has been putting such thoughts into your head?"
"No one."
"You have been visiting with Mrs. Stephens quite a bit. Is she the one giving you foolish notions?"
"Why should she know more about you than I do?"
"She's no different than any other of the island people. None of them really know me, they only think they do, and what they think they know, is not based on truth."
"Do you know Mrs. Stephens?"
"Dear, why don't you change out of your bedclothes?"
"You are avoiding my question."
"Nonsense, I just want you to be comfortable."
Hayley rose from the bed. "I just want to know you…"
tears filled her eyes. "is that too much to ask from someone you claim to love?"