And then one morning the doorbell rang. I bolted upright in bed, and grabbed my phone off the side table—five past nine. Shit. I pulled on my bathrobe, pushed my hair up into a messy bun, and dashed downstairs as the doorbell rang again. I opened the door to find Paul standing there with a box of his things at his feet.

Morning, he said.

Hey. Sorry. My alarm didn’t go off.

Don’t worry, Ash and I can take care of this round.

I looked out beyond him to the driveway. Ashley was busy unloading boxes from the trunk of his car. I told him that, if I jumped in the shower now, I’d be ready for the second load.

You’re not having second thoughts, are you? he asked.

What? No, of course not.

You seem subdued.

I’m sorry, I literally just woke up.

He nodded, then picked up his box, and walked into the house. I admitted to him that I was up late.

Doing what?

I let out a little self-conscious laugh. I uh—finally finished The Magic Mountain, I said.

It took him a moment to register what I’d said, before he laughed as well.

I know, I said. It took me a while.

Longer than it took to write, probably.

He put the box down by the foot of the staircase.

Well I took a big break from it, I said.

So you thought you’d binge it last night? he asked.

Ashley walked through the front door carrying a large box.

Hey, she said, looking over at me. Sorry I haven’t called you back.

She dropped the box with a thud—It’s midterms.

I told her that I knew, and not to worry—You’re looking good.

Yeah right. Freshman twenty-five.

No.

Whatever, I’m still getting laid, she said, walking into the living room and pulling open the curtains. But Mom, honestly, stop with this Miss Havisham bullshit and open your curtains.

I do! Give me a break, I just woke up!

She disappeared into the kitchen, while Paul leafed through the mail on the dining room table. He held up a stack I had set aside for him—Look, even with the mail redirect.

It’s all junk though, I said.

I asked him if he would like some coffee, but he declined—I’d like to just get everything unpacked first.

Ashley walked back into the living room holding a glass of orange juice, and remarked on the lasagne in the fridge.

I made it for tonight, I said. To celebrate.

Aw, she replied mawkishly, but Paul seemed pleased. I asked her if she was planning on staying the night.

I’ll see how I feel. I might crash with Yona.

Well I’ve made up your bed, if you decide to.

All right.