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“I’m not.” I shake my head. “But if I do, it’ll be worth it.” I give her a wink at the end.

An almost smile appears on her face, but it disappears quickly.

“Take this,” I say, handing her two pills and a glass of water. “It will make you feel better.”

She doesn’t reach for it automatically, but after a few moments, she accepts the medicine and chases it down with the water.

“Good girl,” I say, and there’s a slight glimmer in her eyes. “Do you need anything? Food maybe?”

“Nah. I’m not hungry right now, but thank you.”

She lets out a cute little yawn, and I readjust her blanket to ensure it covers all of her before she falls asleep again.

* * *

“You’re still here?” She rubs her eyes.

“Yeah. I’m still here.” I glance up from the book I’m reading in the recliner near the window.

“You feeling any better?” I ask as she sits up straight ‌on the couch.

She has more color in her face and she’s more alert than she’s been since I‌ arrived hours ago.

“Yeah, I am actually.”

“Good.”

“What are you reading over there?” she asks with peering eyes.

“Oh.” I shut the book, feeling awkward all of a sudden. “I bought you a book. I, uh, was just checking it out. Seeing if you’d like it.” My face feels warm.

“Yeah?” She perks up—definitely feeling better. “Is that why you’ve read over half of it already?”

In my defense, she’s been asleep for the last six hours straight, and I already cleaned her entire apartment. Okay, and the book is pretty decent.

She bolts toward me, moving faster than I expected, and grabs the book from my hand.

“Plowed by the Snow Plow Operator?” She raises her brows at me in question.

“Listen. You’re from California. I didn’t know if you needed any winter tips.” I raise my hands up to plead my innocence.

“That so?” She bats her eyelashes.

“Yeah. I was just trying to help you out.”

“That was very thoughtful of you. I’ve only experienced four and a half winters here so far, so I could use all the help I can get.”

I cross my legs and lean back in the chair. “I’m glad that you see it that way.”

“Do you want to finish it before I start it?” she says with a chuckle.

“Nah. It’s okay.” I swipe my hand across my face. “Just wanted to ensure you’d like it.”

“Mm-hmm,” she hums.

“So you’re feeling better?”

“I am.” Her voice is strong and decisive.