practicality

Tseng had managed to get himself propped up in bed, laptop resting on top of his legs. Even with Aeris's skills, his knee was starting to ache badly again. He considered taking some more painkillers, but after the last few days, he wanted a clear head, even if he knew the pain was making him touchy. Elena's accusations weren't helping - he really didn't have the patience to try and sort the mess out this morning.

Sheska arrived clutching a box containing two dozen chocolate chip cookies and a dozen peanut butter ones as well as a tote bag which might have been mistaken for being full of bricks, had anyone tried to steal it from her. It contained two large volumes of Earth fairy tales (fairly new additions to her collection), a volume of strictly Xingese fairy tales (a long time member but well cared for) and a book or box shaped object wrapped in brown paper with "For Tseng from Sheska" written across one corner in her precise hand.

The cookies went to Aeris with a well-meant but breathless and anxious thank you for letting her stay the night the other evening, and she dashed upstairs as soon as the other woman told her which room was Tseng's. Once there, however, she hesitated, straightened her work clothes since she hadn't bothered to change, and knocked lightly on the door.

The hug took her by surprise, but she bent down and returned it with all the warmth she could. "Don't push yourself too hard, too fast, Xiaowen. Let Aeris help you, and don't get up unless she says it's all right, ok?"