Mara figured her mother needed a break and that Sam probably needed his mother’s support in the living room with Hannah, so Mara volunteered to clean up after dinner, even before Diana suggested it. Ping said he would pitch in. After putting away the leftovers and stacking the dirty dishes on the counter next to the sink, Mara washed, while Ping stood next to her, rinsing and drying.
She gave him a sidelong glance, while she scrubbed. “Are you sure you don’t want to just have a seat? I can get this on my own. You look a little pale and tired to me.”
He shook his head. “I’ll be fine. I’m still getting over the other night. I guess I’m not bouncing back as fast as I used to when I was younger.”
“The dragon still tossing and turning?”
Nodding, he said, “It is still sensing danger, and I t
