She wasn't sure what to think then, given the not-explanation, but it wasn't all that important. The way he looked at his own hands was more puzzling anyway. Like he was still getting used to them.
Gretel wasn't sure what possessed her, but her curiosity was much more welcome than the heart-wrenching thoughts that kept trying to enter her mind, so she juts went with the impulse, setting her phone own in order to take one of his hands in both of her own. She drew it closer, glancing up at him for some nonverbal cue of permission, before peering close to his skin in thorough examination.
"Why are you this color?" she asked in a mild tone. His skin was warm to the touch, and felt no different than any other- at least none she could detect, save for the strange miniature patterns, barely visible, like fine threading.