"I haven't spoken to him," Irhya admits quietly. "Not for lack of trying; he's been hard to get a hold of lately. Maybe he just needs his space."

It's the only conclusion she can come to, not having any idea of what's really happening. And it's not unlike him to want time to himself after something like this, right? So she hasn't been pushing the contact.

She sighs into the back of his neck. "Would it make you feel better if I stuck around? I'll even go in with you if you want. No funny business, I promise."