action

[Hayley freezes at the knock, her body immediately tensing as she looks to the door. At his voice, her muscles relax and she steps forward to open the door for him. She gives him a small smile, weaker than her usual fare, then steps outside and locks up behind her. There's no ceremony in greeting him, no glamor in the way she won't quite let him out of her sight, no comfort in how she seems to jump at every little noise.]

Thanks. [She drops her gaze from him to their path, keeping him in her peripherals and allowing him to lead the way. She's quieter, even in her presence, much of her vitality and spirit seemingly drained away.]