"But I am fine," she protested. "I just... need some time to collect myself, as I said." She watched through the dim room as he moved to wash his hands. Pippa gave a sigh then and wrapped her arms around her knees, which were covered by the bedclothes and left her decent. Truth be told, him adjusting things so the morning light wouldn't pierce her eyes was a great kindness and she felt like she didn't need kindness right at the moment. She bit the inside of her cheek and gave thought.

Then she said, "What if I sat down and let myself rest every now and then? And if I feel it's too much, I'll stop altogether... Please, Dr. Wells, I need something to occupy my hands that isn't going to lead to more trouble."