She hadn't expected him to come back down so soon, as evidenced by how she'd curled up in the corner of the couch. She had a book in her hands, and she was paging through it-- some science fiction author. She'd said she liked to read, and while Joel was working through all the changes to his life, she was acting as though she was standing guard between him and the outside world.

Give him space. Maybe he'll change his mind. Read a book, chill out. She looks up when she hears him speak, and if she's still mad, her face doesn't show it. She'd had time to calm down, as much as he had, and an almost relieved, pleased look crosses her face as she puts the book aside. "Starving." She'd meant to eat a couple hours ago.

But she wouldn't leave, not without him. Wouldn't move from that couch until he said it was fine, because as angry as she was with him, she was more relieved to have him back with her than anything else.