Samantha remained near the doorway until I asked her to come in.

She looked around as though she recognized the room but no longer knew how much of it she was permitted to occupy.

I understood that feeling.

I had felt it in her kitchen.

We did not need to recreate it deliberately in mine.

I made something to drink and asked Toby what he preferred.

He answered, then checked his mother’s face.

She nodded that it was all right.