I think it's the only thing I can do for her." * * * * "Thank you." "For what?" "For this." Vanka gestured toward the big window, which looked down on the lawn and trees of the park adjacent to the hospital. "When they moved me, they said it was because some woman was afraid to be alone, so they needed my bed. That your idea too?" 199 "Yes." "Well, thank you.” "You're welcome." * * * * Vanka stared at the door. She shouldn't have let the nurse go. She shouldn't have agreed to let Galen come over. With the nurse, she could be still and silent. Now, she'd have to smile, have to talk. The bell chimed a third time. “Tonight I'll be doing a convincing impression of a delicate flower,” she warned Galen as soon as she opened the door, excusing her instinctive impulse to back away from the hug he knew he couldn't give her. “So, no wrestling tonight?” “I'm afraid not. In fact, you'll be lucky if I don't enlist you to lift my glass to my lips each time I desire a sip of water.” "I don't mind it a bit, actually," he sighed with a smile, slinking up to her, his thigh brushing hers as he ran the tip of his finger under the hem of her short sleeve.
