"I can't tell whether or not I want you realize the full extent of how remarkable you are, or if I prefer this humility that keeps the rest of us modest," Sookie remarks, briefly brushing by his side and bumping his shoulder with her own— or the middle of his upper arm, at least. "'Cause sometimes, when people realize how strong they are, they start wavin' it all over the place, and I like you just the way you are. You deserve to have more confidence, though."

Cringing slightly at the bright orange that peers through the cracks in the cardboard, Sookie laughs, shaking her head.

"I guess I gotta get ready to look like a construction cone."