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The microwave beeps, so I bring our plates to the table, putting hers down in front of her.

“I know it’s strange being in a new place, but think of it as your home too. You don’t have to feel awkward or uncomfortable,” I say.

“There’s just so much space,” she says as she looks around.

I look around too, not seeing what she sees, but I get it because I’ve been inside her home. It could fit in our living room.

“It’ll take time to get used to.” Then I lower my voice and look her in the eye. “You know you’re safe here right?”

She smiles, then nods. “Yes, I do.”

I bring her a fork and juice, then I finish making my coffee and join her at the table.

We don’t talk too much, but I do ask how she slept. Apparently she tossed and turned the way I did.

“I haven’t taken a nap since preschool, but today is the perfect day for that,” I say.

She smiles, then finishes up her food and stands, grabbing her plate.

“I can wash those,” I say.

“No, I’ll do it,” she says firmly.

“If you insist.”

She brings her dishes to the sink and starts to wash them. When I’m finished with my food, I bring my stuff on there too, setting on the counter. I stand there and watch as she washes everything thoroughly.

“We have a dishwasher, you know,” I comment.

“I don’t like those things.”

“Why not?”

“There are too many buttons.”

I chuckle. “Yeah, technology is getting a little ridiculous.”

When she’s done, we just stand there for a minute and stare at each other for an amount of time that should be awkward, but it doesn’t feel that way.

“What do you want to do today?” I ask.

“What is there to do?”

“Uh…” I rub the back of my neck. “I have no idea. Pierce and I usually work all the time.”

“What do you do when you’re not working?”

“Eat. Sleep… work more,” I laugh.

So does she.

“Okay,” she says thoughtfully as she looks around.

“What did you used to do all day?” I ask.

Then I realize how it comes out and hope it wasn’t offensive. But before I can apologize, she starts to explain.

“I’d get up very early to tend to the animals and gather the food for everyone. I’d split it between the baskets and deliver it to them. That’s how I…” She trails off, but I know what she was about to say.