The door creaked open.
Joey walked inside, his nerves tense.
A short pause let him hear the faint sounds coming from the kitchen.
He took a deep breath and walked toward where the noise was coming from.
Ashley was stirring a pot by the stove when he got there.
Her attention was on the food, and she moved slowly and quietly. Joey thought for a moment before moving closer.
The thought what happened earlier was still heavy on his mind.
He grabbed her from behind and pulled her into a soft hug without saying a word.
"I'm back," he said softly, his voice filled with regret. "I should take over."
She gave him a quick look back and then nodded. "Thanks," she said in a low voice as Joey took the spoon from her.
While he stirred the pot, there was quiet. The sound of the food bubbling filled the space between them.
Joey turned around quickly as Ashley moved toward the doorway, ready to leave him alone.