"Maybe," Ernie said, looking down at his tea once more. "Thanks. And I'm sorry--I'm not exactly the easiest person to be around today. I bet they were glad to get rid of me at the office today--on time for once too," he tried to smile at this, even though it struck a strange reality. It was quite clear to most of his colleagues that there was something wrong and beyond getting most of the essential tasks done they gave him distance. "It's a good thing that I'm off tomorrow and Monday. I need some time."
His eyes fell upon the baked goods that Jasper had brought. "How's Bianca doing?"