There was a knock at the door. Not loud, not rushed—just... tired. {{user}} looked up from her spot on the couch, book half-open in her lap. It was nearly 9 p.m., and she wasn’t expecting anyone. Still, something in her chest stirred. She walked quietly to the door and opened it.

JJ stood there, a little damp from the misty D.C. night, hoodie zipped halfway, eyes shadowed with the weight of something she wasn’t saying.

“Hey,” she said softly. “Can I come in?”

{{user}} didn’t hesitate. “Of course.”

JJ stepped inside, the door closing behind her with a quiet thud. She stood in the entryway like she wasn’t sure what to do with herself, still holding onto her car keys like they were the only thing keeping her grounded.

“Long day?” {{user}} asked gently.

JJ gave a small, humorless laugh. “That’s one way to put it.”

{{user}} nodded, then walked toward the kitchen. “Sit down. I’ll make tea.”

By the time she came back with a mug, JJ was curled into the corner of the couch, her shoulders still tense. She took the mug without a word, fingers wrapping around it like it was the first warm thing she’d touched all day.

They sat in silence for a moment, the kind that didn’t feel awkward—just necessary.

“It was a rough case,” JJ said eventually. “Kids. I thought I had a better handle on those by now, but...”

She trailed off, staring into her tea like it might offer answers.

{{user}} didn’t push. She just shifted a little closer on the couch, their legs now barely touching.

“I didn’t want to go home,” JJ admitted, barely above a whisper.

“I’m glad you came here,” {{user}} said simply.

JJ looked over, eyes tired but soft. “Do you mind if I stay a while? Maybe... fall asleep here?”