Maxwell Before we get to the hotel Charlie falls asleep. As gently as I can, I gather her in my arms without letting her limbs bob around too much. Her head rolls back over my forearm only to prop itself in the groove of my shoulder. It gets tricky when opening the doors, but within minutes I manage to get safely inside my suite. Propping one knee on the mattress, I lay her in the center of the bed. The sound of her heartbeat is calm and steady. With her deep in sleep there’s nothing for me to do besides let her rest. Instead of sitting in here and watching her sleep, I go to the living room. There’s nothing to do in here, but it’s better than hovering over her. Before I sit down, I gather a small box I have hidden. I fiddle with it between my fingers. She’s hell-bent on human traditions

