Red, who usually waited for Peter on the roof after class was out, finally realized there was activity in the apartment again and came jingling in through the dog door to watch Peter get things together. Her ears were back, her expression curious and worried. She was a sensitive animal.

"Uh, no. Do you know how to make tea? The honeybush, it's in the red canister."

The ache in his chest demanded a hot drink, but also a lack of caffeine. He leaned back against the new pillows and let himself sink back with a sigh, perfectly comfortable for the time being.

"God, your aunt did such a good job on you. If my dad asked for a drink I would have given him the finger."