How much time passed before his knock sent ice running through her veins? How much time before his voice sent an uncomfortable shiver up her spine, announcing his presence and request to enter? Did she want him to come in? Had she changed her mind and decided to face the monster of her nightmares alone?<br/><br/>No, no that wasn't an option. She needed him to keep her alive long enough to catch him, to put him behind bars and to finally get justice for Ana. That meant she'd have to put up with her discomfort, the stifling atmosphere that would surely surround the pair as they walked on eggshells. Until he was caught, they wouldn't be able to avoid each other, tethered to the other like the weighted chains of a past that refused to let go. For a moment, all she could do was freeze, her eyes transfixed on an object unseen as her mind filled with every possible scenario for how this was going to go. She could see never leaving her apartment because they couldn't get along well enough to even share a car together. She could see finally getting into the car, but with not another word spoken, wrapped in a stifling silence. She could see every awkward moment playing out before her like it'd already happened.<br/><br/>Every moment, but what it'd actually be like to open the door.<br/><br/>In every imagining, Sofia couldn't see herself opening the door for him to come into her life anymore than he already was. Mentally, it always picked up with the door already ajar, his presence bursting in and imposing itself onto her. Why was that one aspect so difficult for her? Was it admitting defeat? Weakness?<br/><br/>His second knocks startled her again, brown eyes swiveling toward the door as she let out a breath and told herself this was a good thing. This was one step closer to the end, one way or another.<br/><br/>And that end started with her gripping the knob and turning it.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Just do it,</span>her mind coached her as her steps carried her toward the door, hand resting on the cool brass of its knob for a moment as the other disengaged the lock. Then, as much as she could manage, she opened it with neutral expression. That expression, she'd hoped, erred on the side of quiet thankfulness for his presence and assistance, while not speaking to the late sleepless nights. But, there was no masking it, not really. Especially to him.<br/><br/>"Sorry, I was just...finishing up," the woman greeted him as she opened the door wide, allowing him to enter while glancing down each hallway out of habit. Door closed far faster than it'd opened, the locks were engaged once more and she threw herself into the role she'd created. A hand closed the laptop on the counter, stuffing the device into its carrying case before picking up all her loose papers, her notes and doodles, those following suit.<br/><br/>"I wasn't sure how much to pack, so I kept it simple with work-related and essentials. Did you need anything from me specifically before we leave?"<span style="font-style: italic">That's right,</span>her thoughts assured her.<span style="font-style: italic">Focus on this like you would any meeting. Strictly business.</span>