In "The Gathering" by Kelley Armstrong, the narrator describes a moment walking alongside a character who carries the scent of woodsmoke on his jacket. This intimate proximity generates a sense of connection, but it also prompts the narrator to consider a possible warning about fire safety due to the dry conditions. However, the narrator refrains from voicing this concern, recognizing it might come off as condescending. The description suggests an awareness of danger but also a recognition of the other person's indifference, implying a complex mixture of care, social awareness, and the subtleties of their relationship.

In "The Gathering" by Kelley Armstrong, the narrator describes a moment walking alongside a character who carries the scent of woodsmoke on his jacket. This intimate proximity generates a sense of connection, but it also prompts the narrator to consider a possible warning about fire safety due to the dry conditions.

However, the narrator refrains from voicing this concern, recognizing it might come off as condescending. The description suggests an awareness of danger but also a recognition of the other person's indifference, implying a complex mixture of care, social awareness, and the subtleties of their relationship.