THIRTY-THREE

Adam offers to clean Juliette’s cuts, and Juliette notices the tattoos on his arms. Adam explains that the military markings came from the need to survive and take the only job available. Juliette accepts this, and their closeness makes Adam marvel that Juliette is really in his home.

Juliette asks about the white bird tattoo on Adam’s chest. Adam says he used to dream about the bird because it felt hopeful, so he made it permanent. Juliette reveals that she dreamed of the exact same bird until the day Adam appeared in her cell, giving the symbol a shared meaning between them.

After Adam cleans Juliette’s wounds and Juliette washes up, the two lie together on blankets in the dark. Juliette tells Adam that she meant what she said before and makes clear that she wants him to touch her. Their restraint breaks, and their intimacy intensifies as Adam and Juliette kiss and touch each other with growing urgency.

James interrupts by opening the door and asking if he can sleep near Adam. Adam immediately shifts from desire to concern and asks if James has had bad dreams. James’s crying suggests ongoing trauma, and Adam comforts him, brings out bedding, and settles him close by.

The interruption reminds Juliette of the children’s suffering, Adam’s burdens, and the damaged world outside their brief refuge. Juliette also wonders what has become of her parents. Adam apologizes, but Juliette reassures him that they can wait until the time is right, while their longing for each other remains unresolved.