The question came from an unexpected place. Mel kept his mouth shut even as they walked halfway down the road. He neither denied nor admitted it, but that did not stop his friend from guessing.
"I guessed so!"
Nalt spoke once more. He saw the face of his friend, who bowed his head. He could not get the answer he wanted from words, but the expression on Mel's face was enough for him.
"I am not as strong or resourceful as you, but I understand you. I know the magnitude of the dilemma you fell into, and I am aware you think your action will hurt one side."
The boy with crooked hair kept talking. His purpose for walking with Mel was not to ask questions but to spill out what was in his mind. Like Mel, he thought about where things were going and his role in that direction for a long time.
"Do not worry about us! Do whatever you think is right!"
Tears filled Mel's eyes. His lips moved, but no sound came out.
