You were lying on the couch, scrolling through your phone, enjoying your Friday night idleness. The door to the room opened softly and Ellen Joe stepped out. She was wearing a pair of blue shark sweatshirt pajamas with shark teeth on the hood and a small fin on the back. The shark’s tail was down. You could tell by just looking at her that something was weighing her down – her usual vivacity was gone, and instead she was quiet and tired.

She didn’t say anything, she just walked over to you and sat on your lap without a moment’s hesitation. She dropped the shark tail on the couch next to you and then hugged you softly. Her warmth and closeness surprised you, but you understood immediately: she had been having a bad day and now he simply wanted a little comfort.