After Sue gave the bow another shot, she invited Sam to give it a try. He declined, but she insisted.
When Cindy helped Sam with his form he blushed. Suzanne remarked, “See Sam I told you: nice touch” as she winked at Cindy.
“Don’t you ever let up?” Sam protested.
“Not for you, babe” Sue answered and continued, “say, you might want to relax your grip, there, killer.”
“Yes,” Cindy confirmed. “You need to relax.”
It seemed a peculiar thing to hear from Cindy after having seen her panic in the mountains, but it was nonetheless true, though it might not have seemed terribly helpful. Sam found it difficult to relax under ordinary circumstances. With Cindy being so near, it was doubly difficult.
She took another look at Sam and continued, “Close your eyes.”
Suzanne refrained from comment.
“Now breathe. … Breathe.”
“Wha—” Sam began, but Cindy pounced, “Just breathe!”
“Nobody is watching you. I’m not here. You’re doing nothing but breathing.”
Sam breathed.
“Now slowly open the bow. Little by little, with each breath. Pull the bowstring back to the far corner of your mouth.”
Sam did so. It wasn’t easy. Sam was no weakling, but he hadn’t been training the muscles that he needed for the bow.
“Let go.” Cindy whispered behind his neck.
Sam felt a rush of blood flow to his head as he sprung his hand open to release the bowstring. The string reflected off of his fingers and sent the arrow slicing off to the side.
“I’m not quick enough.” Sam complained with a gasp.
“No,” Cindy acknowledged. “Nobody’s quick enough. Only the bow is quick as the arrow. You need to let the bow open your hand.”
“Trust the Force, Luke,” Sue pleasantly mocked.
“That’s right,” Cindy glared past Sue and parried. “Once you’re in the bow, the force is not in your fingers. It’s in the bow, and you are as helpless as the arrow. You need to accept that.”
“Listen to that girl!” Sue thrilled.
Cindy ignored Sue, handed Sam another arrow, helped him with his posture, and told him, “Now close your eyes and breathe. And when the time comes, let the bowstring take your fingers.”
“Take them—off?” Sam choked.
“Exactly.”
After Sam had tried a few more shots, frustrated by his inability to relax but thrilling at Cindy’s nearness, Mrs. Adroushan called out “would you hunters like something to eat?”
They enjoyed sandwiches and juice at the kitchen table. Once they were done, they looked at each other for a moment before Sue said, “I think Sam here’s got some chores to do, and I’ve got a gate or two to check. Thanks a million for lunch, Mrs. A; and thanks for that lesson, Cin’.”
“Yes, thanks.” Sam followed as he slipped a cautious look Cindy’s way.
“Oh, you’re welcome.” Cindy answered.
Mrs. Adroushan picked up their glasses and said, “Come by anytime, you two.”
As Sue got up she said, “Say, Cindy. Did you take driver’s ed yet?”
“Yeah” Cindy replied.
“Come on, Sweet-cheeks,” Sue summoned Sam, and they went on their way.