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.