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No present opening until we’re all caffeinated

and awake.

I roll my eyes.

I’m not ten, Mom.

I have self-control.

Good night, Lyric, she says, ignoring me.

Ms. Viv, if you need

anything at all

just let us know.

The back room is all made up.

Alright, thank you, Mara,

Ms. Viv says.I am beat.

Time for me to turn in as well.

Lyric helps Ms. Viv to the spare room

gets her comfortable and then

she comes back out into the

living room with me.

Not tired yet?

I say.

Lyric shakes her head.

Not at all.

Without talking about it

we sit on the big couch

each claiming a side

our feet touching under the blankets.

So, are we watching another movie?

Lyric asks, her face lit

with soft, crimson flame flickers.

We can,

I start.