The climb to the top of the stairs was almost more than she could manage. Her clothes ended up scattered across the floor. She could do no more than tumble into her bed, nightshirt forgotten, skin naked against the sheets. Closing her eyes, she listened for the sound of Buzzard climbing through the open window. She lay silent, waiting for him as he licked first one paw, then the other, turned in circles, and finally settled down against her belly. Rituals, every one needed them, even cats.