3.4

When they had finished eating, Rix took the plates to the sink, and looked out the window to check on his workers’ progress.

“Thanks for dinner,” Saeera said.

“Sure. It’s gonna be a few more hours. You sure you don’t want to get some rest?” he asked, still looking out the window.

“Yeah, maybe that’s best.”

“You got a big day tomorrow,” he joked, and looked over to her. She was deep in thought, too deep to crack a smile. “Come on,” he said. “I’ll show you the spare room.”

Saeera followed Rix down the hall, and he led her into the bedroom that was once his son’s. His son had left abruptly one morning a few years before. Rix and his son had been in an argument the night before, and by the time Rix woke up, his son was gone. The room had been stripped, and now contained only the bed and a mirrored dresser along one wall.

“It’s not the best room in the galaxy, but I don’t get too many visitors anymore.” Rix said.

“It’s great, thanks.” She walked ino the room and put her backpack down on the floor. Rix still stood in the doorway.

“You know,” he began. “I’m awful sorryI was so hard on you before.” He paused. “I just-“

“It’s ok, Rix.” Saeera replied. “I know you didn’t mean anything bad by it.”

“I just feel like…ever since your daddy’s gone, there’s nobody there can look after you.”

Saeera sat down on the edge of the bed and looked up at him.

“Thanks, Rix. Thanks for doing all this.”

“Sure thing, girl.” He said. “It’s just funny, you know, you’re that little girl I used to know.” He looked down at the floor. “It’s just funny.” Rix paused and put his hand on the doorknob. “You get some rest.” He closed the door.

That little girl I used to know. Those words stayed with her. She sat for a moment. She was tired. Best to get some rest, and focus on the job. She set the alarm on her PDC. She’d get a few hours of sleep, which would do her some good. She hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in weeks. She laid down on the bed, fully-clothed, and within a matter of seconds, she was asleep.