Claire sat on the edge of the bed in the dimly lit room, her thoughts swirling with a mix of anticipation and unease. The change in the men’s behaviour since the incident was palpable. It was as if a barrier had been erected, once again separating her from the camaraderie she had briefly experienced after her marriage to Jamie. The acceptance she had gained from the men, their inclusion of her in their conversations and activities, had given her a glimmer of hope that she could truly find her place among them. Yet now, it seemed like a distant memory, fading away with each passing day, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment.