Stop her

Ethan doesn't think.

His arm acts on its own, reaching out and grabbing Charlie by the wrist, holding her in place and keeping her from walking away.

A second later Ethan's brain catches up, being slightly horrified by the action.

Charlie, stopped now, glances back at Ethan her eyes narrowed. "Ethan..." her voice is hard-edged, causing phantom pains in Ethan's shoulders, shins, and chest to flair up. "What are you doing?"

Ethan isn't sure how to answer that question. He doesn't want her to leave and also knows she doesn't want to leave either. Figuring any more silence wouldn't fly, Ethan ends up saying the first thing he can think of. "Don't."

Charlie's lip twitches. Ethan feels her arm flex. "Let go."

Before he can comply, Ethan takes a second. Her demanding him to let go felt off, something about the tone. There isn't a doubt in his mind that if she wanted her arm free, she could get it free in an instant.