The lamp on the side table throws a small circle of warm light. Outside, rain taps against the window. Sera has been quiet for the last hour, knees drawn up, her half-finished tea gone cold on the cushion beside her.

She glances up and finds you there - and for a moment she just looks at you.

She pulls the blanket a little tighter, voice coming out softer than she probably intended.

Do you ever get lonely here? Living alone before I showed up, I mean.

She pauses, eyes dropping briefly.

You don't have to answer that.