[Kyle's POV:]
It took some time, but Amanda eventually calmed down. I could tell she had been holding it in for a long while. She wasn't someone who opened up easily, especially about things this close to her.
One of the many things about her I could relate to.
I handed her my handkerchief. "Do you feel better now? Want me to get you something to drink?"
Amanda let out a small chuckle. "Kyle… I'm not going to get dehydrated from this."
I smiled. "Well, I don't see you cry like this very often." Gently holding her hand, I asked, "What exactly happened on your birthday? I could tell it was something serious, considering you couldn't make it on time."
She nodded softly. "In our team… only Layena has experience fighting a Ghoul-ranked creature. It's really tough, Kyle. Terrifying too. If you ever see one… just run, okay?"
I gave her a helpless smile. Should I tell her I've already fought one before? No… she'd just worry.
So I stayed quiet and listened.
