Evan was calmly putting the frying pans he'd finished with back into the cupboard when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed, followed by a gust of wind that swept through the kitchen.
Turning around, he saw a dishevelled Eliza, and the moment he met her relieved eyes, he spoke.
"Breakfast is ready. Come have a seat."
"…"
Eliza stared at him in silence for a few seconds before dashing across the kitchen, completely ignoring the food and wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug.
"Oh dear."
Evan dropped the napkin he was holding, turning within her grasp before lifting her and setting her down on the kitchen stool as he continued speaking.
"I hear you've not been eating or sleeping properly. Hugs are off-limits until you finish your breakfast."
He moved around the counter and sat across from her, lightly poking the area beneath her eyes as he spoke.
