Slowly Warming Up

"Okay, I'll keep that in mind." 

As Jack finished speaking, Maura appeared with a plate of food. "Here, make sure you eat up. You haven't eaten a good meal for a long time, so enjoy it!"

"Thanks," Jack replied with a nod. 

Picking up the toasted bread, Jack smelled it first, as if he had forgotten what toast was. He started to slowly eat, making sure to eat everything on his plate but also not rushing or savoring it in any way. It looked like eating was a chore for him.

"Jack, are you okay?" asked Maura as she came back to the other side of the counter and sat beside Jack. "With everything that happened… If you need someone to talk to, I'm here for you. I'm a good listener."

A tiny chuckle escaped Jack's lips. Only he and Maura heard it, but it was enough to make Maura feel a bit better.

Glancing to Maura, Jack smiled. This time, unlike his smile to Wain, it was genuine and pitiful. "Thanks, Maura."