A Thousand Cranes

Did she really not remember him? The wide eyed look she was giving him had to be a game. She was so fond of them back then, and while all he wanted to do was kiss her, the look on Lena's face made it seem as if she would punch him square in the jaw if it happened. So he would play her game, he decided, if that's what she wanted.

"My name is Lord William Eustace. And you are..." Home, he wanted to say, but instead, "at my manor. Lena."

Her eyes softened for a moment like he was He reached out to touch her and all she did was stare. Like she had never known him. Loved him. Like she was a liar all over again, he thought angrily. And yet her eyes were so young, untainted, he felt compelled to ask, "Don't you remember me?"

Lena frowned with enough fury that had him back away. Her eyes did not recognize him, her body shied away as she slowly shook her head.

William closed his eyes and waited for her to pop out and say, "Just kidding!" It was a weird joke of hers that he used to roll his eyes to, and now he wished nothing more than for her to play it again. But all she did was hold her arm as if she were trying to comfort herself from the very thing that frightened her - him.