I moved the nearer chair before Nessa arrived.
It seemed more comfortable beside the table, away from the draft at the door. I straightened it, realized I was arranging furniture because I couldn't arrange the conversation, and left it alone.
The room belonged to the academy accounts office. A clerk would witness the transfer. Nessa's cooperative colleague would check the receiving details. We had no need to meet in my room, and nobody had suggested it.
I sat with the payment instruction in front of me.
The clerk checked the amount already set aside, then put a clean receipt form beside the office copy. He asked whether I needed anything before the appointment.
"No."
He moved the ink bottle toward my left hand without asking about the support. I was grateful for the small adjustment and annoyed with myself for noticing it so much.
