Saff let out a guffawing laugh; the kind that just sort of bursts out because one is too tired to keep it in. “You can say that again.” She replied, “Those idiots spend so much of their lives getting the stuffing beat out of them that they don’t have much left after they retire!” There were both kinder ways to phrase that and kinder ways to behave towards her co-workers. And genuinely, with the exception of a few people who thought they were big wigs in the department, Saffron was on good terms with them. But it was the end of the day, she was exhausted, and had just made a complete mess of her end-of-the-day handiwork.

Her eyes closed briefly, appreciating the comforting presence her sister lent. Sighing, she turned. “I’m sorry if I woke you.” Truly, she was; the stab of guilt poked at her ribs and she offered a grimace to Tess.