Finding Answers

Erica showed up shortly after he returned from his time out. Her lips were pinched with concern as she walked briskly up to him, she barely had time to push her glasses up before her complaints were cut off.  He hugged her tightly, feeling her stiffness then almost melted against him. 

"I was worried about you. Why is it every time I turn around you are doing something crazy." She spoke slightly muffled in his hug.  He squeezed her tighter for a moment then let her go. 

"Sorry about that. But now I have to ask a favor." He grew serious. "I'm about to dump a ton of work on you. Think you can handle it?"  Erica straightened up, reaching up both hands to straighten her glasses instead of pushing them up with one finger as normal.

"Of course.  Haven't I always completed every task you needed?"  He noticed she didn't look him straight in the eye but seemed to be focusing on his nose instead.