Denise slid into the seat next to mine. Her hand came to rest on my forearm, warm and light.
« Have you eaten anything today, honey? »
« I’m fine, Denise. »
They were deciding something about me.
« Did you sleep? You look so tired. »
« I slept enough. »
« I can speak for you in there, you know. If it’s too much. »
I patted her hand and gave her the smile I’d been giving people for two weeks straight.