“Uh oh,” she says. “I’m afraid we’re about to blow your house down.”
“It is sturdy,” I say, and to prove it, I tap my fist against the nearest weight-bearing branch. It really is just a tap. I truly thought it was sturdy. But the branch gives out and the whole structure crashes down on our heads.
“Maysee!” I hurl the branches off of my own head and then fling them every which way as I uncover her. She’d better not be injured!
When I free her, she is laughing wildly. Thank goodness! Her face is red and her arm is still caught in her sleeve and she’s laughing so hard that tears form in her eyes.
I am too ashamed to share in her mirth. This thing that I built could have maimed her! It should have held together. Such an embarrassment!
Her eyes fall to my scowl, and her giggles subside. “It’s okay, Ryle. No big deal. I really should focus right now, anyway.”
“You are unhurt?”
“Perfectly fine, I promise.” She rights her suit and zips herself back inside.
I offer my hand to help her up. “Come,” I say, “We rest on my ship. I allow study.”
“You allow, huh?” she smirks, but she takes my hand and hauls herself to her feet with a groan. “Okay.” She takes a deep breath. Then another. “Let’s go.”