The first morning light sneaked through the high windows of Val's bedroom. Val opened his eyes. He felt it. He was different. The usual heavy tiredness and the unpleasant feeling that stuck to him after a nightmare were gone. It was as though someone had lifted a heavy blanket off his mind. For the first time in years, he felt rested. Truly rested.

His eyes traveled slowly over the big room. They traveled to the dying fire and then they stopped. He saw her. Issa. She was huddled in a corner, ...