Jim was focused on the exercise, so he didn't immediately notice her panic. He swung the sling in circles a few more times, then threw it in a clean cut across the air, keeping the grip tight but the movement fluid. It looked better now, but without a stone to throw, he had no idea if it was any good.

He was expecting her instructions, but her silence only had him looking over.

"Thought you were gonna help me get this right?" His smile didn't fade entirely, it just waned a bit, and he tilted his head, eyebrows knitting together. "What's wrong?"