When Jenny walked towards home an hour later, the noise coming from her flat made her sigh. She could have done without the added company, but she'd promised her brother months ago he could come here on his holiday.
Not noticing Dennis' car as she passed it, Jenny walked through the front door, calling up, "I'm home, so anything naughty that's going on should stop."
A moment later, Steve appeared at the top of the stairs. "Me, do anything naughty? Never!"
Jenny smiled, hanging up her coat before ascending the stairs. "Don't forget, I'm your sister. I know just how naughty you can be. Don't forget the time you filled mum's-"
"Yes, well, all we've been doing is catching up. You remember Lisa, Tom and Cheryl?"
As Jenny gave them a smile, Steve added, "And a person can't do anything too wrong when there's a policeman in the house. Even if he is asleep."
Jenny looked to where Steve was pointing and gave a soft laugh. Dennis was sat up, head resting against the wall and hand still clasping the flowers, but he was fast asleep.
…
Having barely slept the night before following a week of late nights, Dennis had been exhausted. He'd tried all day to get away and talk with Jenny, but the opportunity hadn't presented itself until that evening. He wasn't even aware he'd felt sleepy until a hand on his arm gently shook him awake.
The house was quiet now, and mostly dark. In fact, it took Dennis a moment to realise the only light source was coming through the window. Daylight.
His eyes quickly adjusting to the dark, he saw Jenny sat on the edge of the bed next to him, a slight smile on her face. "You know, normally when people come over to apologise, they at least try and stay awake until the person gets home."
As Dennis opened his mouth to apologise, Jenny put a finger to his lips. "Not now. It's nearly 7, so you'll need to go home and get ready for work. I've made you some breakfast. We can talk tonight…if you manage to stay awake this time."
"I'm so, so sorry. I don't know what happened."
"I do. You've been working all hours and not taking proper care of yourself. Go on, breakfast, and then if you're lucky I might give you a goodbye kiss."