12

Marlowe spends some time sorting through some of the things in Eliot's house, putting some stuff in order and getting a few things ready to take with them when they leave with the dogs. You help out where you can, but for the most part, Marlowe seems to prefer having something to focus on.

At last, they seem to have done as much as they have the energy for today. Attaching leashes to both greyhounds' collars and grabbing a bag full of any supplies the dogs might need, Marlowe heads towards the front door. You think they steal the tiniest of final glances at the living room before they leave.

Outside, the day is warm and bright. Marlowe closes their eyes for a moment as they breathe in the air, seeming to relish its freshness.

"You know," they say after a second, "if you don't have any other plans, you could always come over to my place for a bit. I wasn't going to make anything fancy for dinner, but it would be better having somebody else there. I mean, I do have my roommate, so I wouldn't be on my own—but I'd just like it if you were there too."

As they say that, you remember that both Robin and Tobias already asked if you wanted to spend the evening together as well.

You know that Marlowe would understand if you told them you were busy, but even so, they wouldn't be asking you if they didn't really want to see you.

It's clear that they, like a lot of people, just want things to feel normal tonight. Maybe that's how you feel too.

What will you do?