Her explanation soothed him enough that the little hairs at the nape of his neck smoothed back down and he slowly started to relax his body. It took a couple of deep breaths, but then he was turning to offer her a sheepish smile.

"Sorry. I guess I'm a little on edge." At all times, but he didn't add that part.

Another couple of breaths and he was able to finally relax enough to kneel back down. The mystery knife was still in his hand, but at least now he was using it to cut bunches of herbs to add to the basket of tomatoes and beans.