The doctor had been gone for most of the day. Unlike other times when he disappeared, he hadn't been in a meeting with Mr. Smith or, for that matter, even on base. He wouldn't tell Gunner where he was going, just woke up that morning, took a shower, got dressed in his usual not quite clean or pressed clothes, and disappeared out the door. He came back just before supper time, dropping his keys on the table near the door and stepping out of his shoes.
"Honey, I'm home. It's rainy and cold outside and I'm cranky and wet so dinner had better be ready!" Unzipping his coat, he tossed it over the back of a chair, holding a box with a ribbon around it.