Mauve stood at the foot of the stairs as Jael opened the door. The familiar creak of the door made her smile. She hadn't been to the garden in a while, but she knew it was well-tended. The stairs were the reason she hardly made the journey here—they were starting to be her worst enemy. She was fine walking on flat surfaces, but as soon as she had to lift her feet a few inches off the ground, the world spun.
"After you," Jael said with a palm stretched out as he walked down to meet her.
Mauve blinked at the open door, completely blocked by Jael's frame. She smiled and took his hand. "Don't mind if I do."
He pulled her up the stairs and gently guided her through the door. He didn't shut it behind her, and Mauve figured it was because he would leave as soon as she was comfortable. She couldn't complain—he had spent a lot of time with her today.
