It's well past bedtime when I finish putting a clean sheet on my bed. Rhayne watches the whole thing from the doorway, arms crossed, wearing the expression that usually shows up when she's decided to argue with me until one of us gives in.
"Den, I can sleep on the couch."
"You can."
She waits a few seconds, maybe expecting the rest of it.
"And?"
"And you're not going to."
Rhayne lets the air out through her nose and comes into the room.
"It's your house."
"Technically it's my mother's."
"But the room is yours! Don't play dumb."
"Okay, but… so what?"
"Dryden!"
I give up before she throws something at me. I tuck the pillow under my arm and point at the bed.
"You spent more than eight months inside a tank, came back today, needed Zhang Xi to walk properly, and you're still getting your strength back. You're sleeping in a bed. I'll survive the couch."
"I'm much better already."
"Great. Tomorrow you can celebrate by standing until your legs give out."
