[ that's what she thought, what the part of her that chafes at the care owed to a partner worried, and she shifts back, defensive despite her better instincts. or maybe it's "defense because of her worst"... ]

How should I be knowing? Things! I did not come here expecting to while away for months and months; I have not paid my rent that they will just wait for me to come back whenever I fancy. They will throw it all away!