"It isn't a bother, M-- Martha." It was true - it wasn't a bother, for all he was still hoping he lived up to their expectations. Hope was new and a little frightening. "Clark's told me about his parents, and he always sounds so happy when he does. And I understand that his comparing my cooking to yours is high praise."

Repairs - he could, and would, he decided, do that. It wouldn't take him long, and he knew how to make things livable. A little hammering, a little plaster, some paint. Easy.