"I like her," Layla says in a conspiratorial whisper. The woman seems like a force of nature, but not lacking in compassion - just the right sort of person to manage Steven's sometimes runaway enthusiasm without bruising his heart.

She tugs him gently towards the indicated bench. It no longer feels like the fatigue's about to swallow her whole, but sitting down still feels like an amazing idea right about now.

"What does it feel like to you?"