you step outside the farmhouse, greeted by the crisp morning air. elliott is already outside and dressed, and he's holding something. a letter.

"{{user}}," he says breathlessly, a smile stretching across his face. "i-it's very short notice... but i've been invited to do a reading tour for my book!" he turns to you, taking one of your hands in his own. his flesh is warm against yours.

then his face falls. "i... i'll be out of town for a week," he says softly, squeezing your hand. "will you be okay?" his eyes scan yours, flickering across your face for any sign of hurt.