Without hesitation, she powered the phone off completely and leaned against the hallway wall, slowly sliding down until she was sitting on the floor.
Her face disappeared into her hands and she remained there for several long minutes.
Eventually... a familiar voice drifted from the bedroom.
"Honey?"
"You there?"
Liz quickly wiped her eyes. "I'm coming."
She forced herself up and by the time she entered the bedroom... a small smile had returned.
She didn't want her fiancée worrying.
She helped him adjust his blanket, checked his medication and prepared everything he needed.
He smiled gratefully. "...Thank you."
She nodded. "It's nothing."
He studied her carefully. "...You're quieter today."
She avoided his eyes. "Just work."
"Are they giving you trouble again?"
"It's... stressful."
He reached for her hand. "Maybe you should take a few days off."
She smiled sadly. "We have bills to pay."
He sighed. "...Right."
That night... neither of them slept particularly well.
