Listen, Kat finally said. Your sister has got some resources available. If she has to invest in a night nurse too, she will. Frankly, I think thats a good idea regardless, especially for the first few weeks. Maybe I can broach the idea with her. In the meantime, I should be back in the city in about an hour and a half. Do you want me to stop by?

Hannah did but knew it was asking too much.

Thats okay, she said. Ryans sleeping and Im sure Jessie will be back by then. Ill get by.

You sure?

Yeah, Im fine.

Hey, Hanna Barbera, do me a favor, Kat said, upbeat.

What?

Walk into the bathroom and look in the mirror.

What for?

Just do it, she instructed.

Hannah complied, turning on the light and staring at herself.

What do you see? Kat asked.

Myself.

Come on, you can do better than that.

I see a girl, Hannah said, with sandy blonde hair that probably needs to be cut, green eyes that have too much red in them, someone tall enough to borrow my sisters clothes when she doesnt know Im doing it, cute enough to get a boyfriend until he realizes what a dumpster fire I am. Hows that?

So if I can rephrase, youre a tall, blonde-haired, green-eyed hottie who has good fashion sense and isnt too full of herself. Fair?

Hannah couldnt help but laugh.

Remind me to have you rework my online dating profile, she said.

Please tell me you dont have one of those.

Im just messing with you, Hannah allowed.

Thank god. An inability to feel standard human emotions I can handle. Dating, not so much. You get my point though, right?

Whats your point? Hannah asked.

Youve got a lot going for you. Youre healthy. Youre smart. Youve got a roof over your head. Youve got a sister who loves you. And youve got me. Try to look at the positives.

Hannah smiled despite herself. Kat was trying so hard. She decided to throw her a bone.

You know, youre really turning me around here. I think I may apply to Harvard on one of those runway model scholarships.

The comment made her flash back to an odd conversation shed had at school a few weeks ago with a girl who had also suggested that her good looks might work to her financial advantage.

I got one of those, Kat said, bringing Hannah back to the present. But I joined the army instead.

Hannah could tell the time for serious discussion had ended.

Im going to let you go. Ive taken up enough of your time bitching about my life. Bask in your romance.

Youre sure youre good? Kat asked.

Good enough.

After she hung up, Hannah decided to go lie in the hammock in the back yard. Before that, she slipped into Ryans room to open his window so she could hear if he called out for help. He was fast asleep.