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The city lights looked like smog and it started raining again.

They pulled into the driveway. The house was dark. Ned killed the engine. It was quiet.

-We are back.

Meerka didn't move to open her door. She sat watching the rain-slicked pavement.

-I called a carpenter and he fixed the porch. The rain won’t come in anymore. We should go look.

Ned looked at her in the dashboard light.

-Really?

-I’m not a guest here anymore, she said.

-No, Ned said. I guess not.

-Guests leave, Meerka said. I’m here.

-You work here.

She turned to him.

-I am tired of the guest room, Ned. It is cold.

Ned unbuckled his seatbelt.

-The master bedroom is warmer, she said, smiling. Show me.

They walked into the house. They didn't turn on the lights. They knew the way.

At the top of the stairs, Ned stopped. He turned and looked at her.

-This isn’t in the contract, he said.

-Fuck the contract, Meerka whispered.

Ned laughed, and then he kissed her.

They moved into the bedroom. The door clicked shut.