James didn't buy any of Ella's serenity, it seemed about as borrowed as the clothes that now covered her. But still, James didn't say anything or move to stop the woman from leaving her apartment. Ella had survived other things than this, and maybe being alone was what it took to keep everything together. Even if Ella was unable to recognize it in this moment, James knew her to be nothing but a strong woman, one fully capable of handling the aftermath of wolves or vines or angry mobsters.
She nodded with the revival of her most believable smile when Ella mentioned bringing her things back tomorrow. "No rush, I--" But the words slipped into nothingness as Ella was already out the door before James could say any more.
Drawing a thin breath, she turned her attention to Rick. There was no longer a need for the bright, confident eyes or everything's okay smile, and both features dissolved slowly. They were not replaced with panic or worry, just a tense impatience.
"What happened? To the others, I mean?" She had not a single clue what had gone on inside 601 after she'd fled. James hadn't been about to ask Ella, either.