Rezo catches that exhale, but doesn’t realize all the conflict behind it, assuming it’s purely melancholy at the fact he’s a widow. It’s sympathy that is wasted on him, he thinks, since it has been a long time and he has since moved on.

But when she mentions unpleasant memories... Yes, he’d learned she has her share of her own. Of course she would be empathetic to such things. He briefly touches her shoulder, slightly clumsy from his sleepiness, but hopefully an appreciable gesture nonetheless.

As soon as she answers his question, Rezo arches an eyebrow.

“Really?” he says, not bothering to hide his surprise, however mild. It’s not exactly shocking but it does seem odd, now that he thinks about it. Given her personality, how she was easygoing and caring, always with a friendly touch and something warm to eat or drink on offer, it seems natural that she would easily attract others, and unusual that there wouldn’t be anyone special.

Although it sounds like there had been someone at some point. Perhaps there had been an unpleasant breakup, or her lover had died. An unfortunate experience may have kept her from trying again, even if she was approached.

“So you raised Vales by yourself, then. Was it difficult for you?”