Rhea returned home a bit early from work. Setting her coat aside, she stepped further into the room. Her eyes searched for Valerie. Was she not home yet?

"Val?" Rhea called out gently, deciding to check their room. Getting there, she hesitated but pushed the thought aside.

She opened the door, and there was Valerie, sitting on the bed, her back bent, her face cradled in her palms, and her elbows resting on her knees. She seemed lost in thought, a million miles away.

Rhea stepped forward, her steps light and careful. Sadness swept across her features.

"Val," she called lightly, but Valerie remained unmoved, still drowning in her thoughts....