I'll get better," he replied, rising to take up his bag.

"I guess now I'd better go to bed.

I'm just about all in....
Wonder how Blair and Red are." His mother followed him up the narrow stairway, talking, trying to pretend she did not see his dragging steps, his clutch on the banisters.
"Your room's just as you left it," she said, opening the door.

Then on the threshold she kissed him.

"My son, I thank God you have come home alive.