practicality

She smiled mischievously. "Well, if you're too bored, we can always move him in here with you... You certainly won't lack entertainment.

"Nor do you have much." she murmured, playing on his last word with a smile. "But I wouldn't worry. Aeris has a better respect for her mental health than that. Though it might be entertaining to watch you two hurling pillows and insults at one another."

"Perhaps so," she answered, laughter in her tone. "I'll bring you the money tomorrow, all right?" She gave in to the impulse to smooth his nigh-pristine hair. "Get some rest."

She stood, settling the bag of books against the nightstand and checking the security of the ticket, bookmark wrapped around her left hand. "Sleep well, Xiaowen. Sweet dreams and a quick recovery." She made her way to the door and closed it gently behind her.