Jo had been drowning so deep in memory that she didn't hear the intruder approaching. She doesn't know anyone has joined her in this haunted place until she hears him speak through the door, and even then she doesn't move. Because no matter how long she's been away, she recognizes that voice instantly. It sounds more haggard, more wearied and rough than the last time she heard it, but it wrings her heart sharply just the same. She pushes up onto her elbows, looking to the door as Ezra comes inside.
She sees it immediately. That hurt in his eyes, some burden so large that it's just a breath from breaking him. Jo knows there's only one thing in this whole world that could have him looking so soul-bruised and fragile, and she can see echoes of that mad-eyed girl in Ezra's face. Jo prays that the poison hasn't done her sweet little junkie baby in while she's been gone, and she holds out an arm to Ezra, beckoning him in.
"Binak-lo, come," she murmurs, not stopping the tears that already wet her face and gather in her black-smudged lashes. "Come here, my baby."