Caleb woke with Suzu's hand tucked under his left wrist. The room had grown light, and the rain had dwindled to a drip from the gutter outside.
He moved carefully to reach the water. Suzu opened her eyes before he got to it, released his hand, and sat up so quickly that the brace knocked the bed frame.
"That was the leg," she said, looking at the window.
"I know. I've heard it object before."
She stood with her good foot planted and checked the brace setting. Caleb watched the clock while she straightened her academy jacket. It read 08:14.
"The market opens at nine," he said. "We missed the evening stock. I want the first look today."
Suzu turned from the mirror. "Let me check the pad before you decide how fast you're walking."
He brought the first-aid packet to the lamp. The marked edge stayed dry. Two unused pads remained, and he put them where he could reach them through his jacket.
