Chapter 304: Are you Okay?
Remo stepped inside the house, the scent of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air. The warmth of the aroma was comforting, but it clashed starkly with the cold dread that had settled deep in his chest. He followed the scent to the kitchen, where he found Abby humming softly to herself as she moved about the room, pulling a tray of cookies from the oven.
She looked up as he entered, her face lighting up with a smile that seemed almost too bright. "Remo! You’re home early," she chirped, setting the tray down and wiping her hands on her apron. "I thought I’d surprise you with some of your favorite cookies. I know how much you love them."
Remo forced a smile, the therapist’s words still echoing in his mind. He watched her carefully, noting the slight tremor in her hands as she adjusted the cookies on the tray. She was too cheerful, too energetic, as if she were trying to distract herself—or him—from something.
"They smell amazing," he said, trying to keep his tone light as he walked over to her. "You’ve been busy."
Abby giggled, a sound that had once filled him with joy but now only heightened his anxiety. "You know me, always needing to keep my hands busy. Otherwise, I’d just go crazy with boredom."
The word "crazy" lingered in the air between them, and Remo’s smile faltered. He wondered if she realized the weight of that word, if she was aware of how close she was to the edge. He reached out, placing a hand on her arm, and felt her stiffen slightly before relaxing into his touch.
"Abby," he began softly, trying to keep his voice steady, "is everything okay? You seem... different lately. Is there something on your mind?"
For a moment, her expression faltered, and Remo thought he saw a flicker of something in her eyes—fear, maybe, or uncertainty. But just as quickly, the mask was back in place, and she smiled up at him, her eyes shining with affection.
"Of course, everything’s fine," she said, her tone airy. "I’ve just been missing you, that’s all. You’ve been so busy lately, and I guess I’ve been feeling a little lonely."