She was running the sponge gently across Rachel's forehead when the woman stirred, her eyes bleary but meeting Julia's in slow recognition.
 
"Hey." Julia murmured, keeping her tone gentle as she greeted Kat's mother "It's okay.. you don't have to talk."
 
Rachel blinked slowly and looked at Julia's wrist, moving her hand to touch it.  It was obvious she was remembering earlier, at the house when Rachel had used Julia as a gripping post.
 
"Don't worry about it. It doesn't even hurt." Julia assured her with a half wink "I think I'll sneak one of Kat's band aids that glow in the dark.  What do you think.. neon pink?"
 
Rachel's lips twitched and she coughed slightly as she tried to talk, only to manage to speak in a low whisper.
 
"How's.. Kat?"
 
Julia smiled and reached to refresh the sponge "She's fine. She's eating dinner and is actually, get this, excited about going to school tomorrow."
 
"Thank.. you." Rachel managed with a slight smile "For.. watching her."
 
"Well it's not just me but I'm having a blast."
 
Not with Miranda of course or what had happened, and Julia wasn't going to bring that up with her now, not wanting to upset her, but Kat was easy to love.
 
"Think you can choke down some broth if I called Jonathan for some?"
 
Rachel made a slight face and half nodded at a tray "Already been... choking."
 
Julia chuckled quietly as Rachel closed her eyes and whispered that she was tired and went back to gently stroking the sponge against her forehead.
 
She looked toward the door and wondered what was going on out in the livingroom.

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