I laughed so hard I nearly spilled my water.

Lucas smiled, and for the first time since the basement, he did not look as though someone else’s comfort diminished his own.

After dinner, he helped Marian back to her chair and asked whether she wanted dessert.

She chose half a pear and tea.

He did not offer an argument, a recommendation, or a lecture about what a person recovering from treatment ought to eat.

He simply brought what she asked for.