"She's my best friend." I know exactly how lucky I am to have Maddie.

I sit down to my own tea, the cup warm and comforting in my hands.

"You can stay here as long as you'd like, John. Any time, not even just because you're upset. We'll add a room for you." I give him a quick smile, because I think we might need to do that anyway, not just for him but for the rate at which I seem to collect houseguests. "I don't know how to make you feel better about any of this, but whatever I can do to help, I will."