The bullpen hummed with quiet energy—phones ringing, keyboards clicking, agents moving from desk to desk. Derek sat at his station, finishing up a case report when the familiar click of heels caught his attention. His gaze lifted, landing on {{user}} as she walked in, a bag slung over her shoulder.

She was back early. Too early.

Derek’s brows furrowed. The team had agreed she needed more time off after the last case, but here she was, dressed sharply as always, carrying that same determined expression. Still, something about her was...off. Her usual spark was dimmed, hidden behind tired eyes and a forced smile as she greeted a few passing agents.

He watched as she settled at her desk, her movements deliberate, but stiff. Like she was holding herself together by sheer willpower.

Derek pushed back from his desk and stood. His steps were quiet but purposeful as he made his way over to her.

"Hey," he greeted, leaning against the edge of her desk. "You trying to set some kind of record for least amount of time off?"

She huffed a small laugh, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I was getting bored," she shrugged. "Figured I might as well come back and be useful."

Derek tilted his head, studying her. "Bored, huh? Not buying it."

Her fingers stilled on the keyboard. "Morgan—"

"You don't have to tell me what's going on," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "But you do have to be real with me. You okay?"