Ioan was initially standing with his back to the door of the room, gazing blankly down at the fire in the hearth. His face was a mask of calm when all he felt on the inside was turmoil. Fear. What if Romilda never got her memories back? Could he make her fall in love with him again? Would she want to, if she had Dennis? Rational thought argued that she didn't actually have Dennis. Something was up with that boy lately, and it wasn't a relationship with Romilda. Ioan would've known. He hoped. When he heard her familiar voice, he turned, unable to hide his emotions.
Maybe he'd watched too many romantic movies. Maybe he was looking for hope where there was none. Nonetheless, he looked for any sign of recognition in her eyes. Any hint that just being close to him would jog her subconscious.
"Hi," he replied, his voice quiet. "Thanks. Um, thanks for coming."