She gathered the comforter around herself and shuffled across the hall. At the threshold she turned and looked back at me. Her hair was a mess, her eyes still swollen, and she looked at me with an expression that was not the one I had expected.
The look was rather predatory and even if I didn't show it, I felt uncomfortable for a moment.
"Behave yourself," I said. "All right?"
I hadn't meant it to come out as gently as it did.
She nodded. Then, before I could turn away, she spoke.
"I'm grateful for everything you've given me. After my parents died, to have someone who worries about my future, who shows up, that's not nothing." She didn't look away from me. "Last night you asked whether I see you as my guardian or a stranger. My answer is neither."
I waited.
"We've been family since
