As Kamala relocates the mewling tribble, Jess gives its head a brief scrub of her fingers as if commiserating. It's not her special spot, buddy, honest, it's just a threadbare easy chair. You probably spend more time in it than I do.

What's done is done and she's not complaining. Jess has a seat, then folds over to pry her boots off her feet with her tea on the ground. She tucks one socked foot under the opposite thigh upon straightening up. Reclining at last, Jess observes the two of them with her head propped up by the back of the chair. They make a decent family. Though she doesn't know how he expects Kamala to be irresponsible in a house packed with animal dependants. Full of pent up relief, Jess permits the smallest amount through, acknowledging that she might as well appreciate what she hasn't screwed up yet.