บท 232: How many?

Mia shifted in her saddle at the strange words.

"Pardon? How many what?" She asked curiously. Ford ducked his head slightly, and pointed up.

"How many stars?"

"I don't think anyone knows," Mia let her eyes scan upward. "Why would you think I did?"

"You live with them," Ford seemed embarrassed by his explanation.

"I normally live in a house, but I have gone camping with Papa and my brothers before," Mia chewed on the inside of her cheek thoughtfully. "I tried to count them when I was younger, but I would always wind up falling asleep before I finished."

"Before I left the mine, I couldn't have imagined sleeping under stars," Ford murmured.

Mia bit her lip and watched Ford out of the corner of her eye. He seemed more open than before. Was it because they were alone? Was it because he was getting what he wanted? Was it because the cover of darkness made him feel less guarded with his secrets?