Call me paranoid, but after Lee's disappearance, I've been making a point of checking in on people more often. There's a fear attached every single time, this ever-present worry that, one day, I'll knock on the door and no one will answer. So far, that worry hasn't alleviated in the slightest, so when Thomas answers after only a few, terrifying moments, I can't help the rush of relief that crashes over me.

"Hi!" I tell him, more breath than actual vocalization, thrusting the small Tupperware of snickerdoodles toward him. It's been awhile since we last spoke, but he looks just exactly as I remember if a little more casually-dressed.

"Cookies to go with your tea?" I ask before cocking my head slightly. "Or at least I assume that's tea. Whatever the case, cookies?"