Chapter 158

From deep inside, Danica’s compassion for this man blossoms. He’s exhausted, and he’s apologizing for making a mess in his own home? That’s not right. He has shown her nothing but kindness, giving her his umbrella, helping her into her coat, and when he caught her at the piano, he was complimentary and generous in his offer to let her play. “Sit,” she says, spurred on by her compassion. “What?” “Sit down,” she says more forcefully, and he does as he’s told. She kneels at his feet and begins to untie his bootlaces. “No,” he says. “You don’t have to do that.” Danica bats his hand away, ignoring him, and undoes his boots, pulling each off in turn. Then she stands, feeling more confident that this is the right thing to do. “Sleep more.” she says, and grasping his boots in one hand, she holds out the other to help him up. He glances from her eyes to her fingers, his hesitation unmistakable. After a beat he takes her hand, and she hauls him off the sofa. Gently she leads him down the hallway