"Endless can be a very frightening word." Ming returned to her low couch, sitting down and crossing her ankles. "And friends aren't the same as my own mattress. Oh, dear, that didn't come out the way I meant it to..."

Ming colored and placed her hand over her mouth. She hadn't meant to sound as though she dismissed the very concept of friendship! "I only mean that there are certain comforts I'm very used to, and would hate to think weren't there whenever I wanted them. And while, in theory, a friend can be found anywhere, my own bed is only in my own bedroom here. I'm almost ashamed to admit it, but I do like my comforts."

In many ways, they were the only things she could take in joy in.