“I don’t care what you do,” she says, “as long as you’re here.” I try not to look shocked by her declaration. Our tight postures relax, and I draw her to my chest and rub the back of her neck. She melts into me, her normally stiff body finding a moment to slacken. I stare at her fiery eyes that never seem to soften, even if her body does. “But I thought you could do everything by yourself, darling.” “I can,” she says, raising her chin again. “But I like your help…sometimes.”
