"So I've been told," she replied with an eased smile. Chan had about said the same, and she was still apprehensive about it. But like anything else, small steps before big leaps. She was already better than she had been. Surprising herself.

It was nice to know how he felt, though she wasn't surprised. He'd made it clear he hoped she would stick around. Thankfully telling him now, had helped to turn his mood around at least for the moment. She felt a little lighter, hopefully he did too. "Someone's gotta keep ya in check," she teased, not entirely meaning it. Now to see what the future brought.

{fade}