We unloaded the truck in amicable silence, and it did go a lot quicker with two people. She might have been small, but she was clearly in good shape, maybe better than I was. We had everything in the pantry by the time the tea was whistling. Meanwhile, I got out some sandwich makings. It was simple but no one would starve. She didn't complain, and we made our own sandwiches and sat down with the tea.
She ate so fast I wondered when the last time she had a real meal. I tried to keep the conversation light. Dumb jokes, dad-jokes, you'd probably call me. Just to make her laugh and keep her mind off the next day. She needed food and rest. I wasn't going to let her suffer. And now, of course, I could see her well.
She wore a blue sweater, jeans, and some well-worn hiking boots. She was about
