DANIEL POV

She doesn't leave that night.

Or the next morning of day 18 when I find her in the kitchen, trying to make coffee for herself. Showered. Dressed in her morning robe. She’s waiting for the hot kettle to heat up.

"Morning," she says carefully.

"Morning."

“Sleep well?

“Yea, sure”

"Plans today?"

"Job applications. You?"

"Office later, until five. Then home." I slide her mug across the counter. "Dinner together?"

She hesitates. Then nods. "Okay."

She reaches for the hot kettle at ...