'Hold that thought,' I say. I head for the stairs, and, gripping the banister tightly, climb them and make my way to my room. I strip off my soiled clothes, and dig a long tee-shirt and some briefs out of my cupboard. On a whim, I grab some deodorant and dose myself with it. I pull on the briefs, and then struggle into the tee-shirt. Then I touch my bandages gently to ensure they're still in place. I take a deep breath.
---
Lexi's waiting for me when I get downstairs. She's built the pillows up into a large pile and is leaning against them, watching the fire. I stand in the doorway, and just look at her for a while, admiring. Then I walk to the blankets and sit down alongside her.
'You smell nice', she says, as she hands me my refilled wineglass. 'And the outfit is an improvement.'
'Yo
