Confusion gives way to a firm frown as he watches her suddenly take off, as if she were as spooked as he was. He pushed the door further open, stepping out into the hallway, and moving after her. He couldn't think of anything to say; he didn't want to just go blindly screaming her name. He was never one to do impulsive things like that. But, he had seen her, and now he had to know. He had to know who she was, what had happened...<br/><br/>She stopped. He stopped. A few feet of breathing space stood in between them. He smiled at her, though it seemed a bit weak; not as bright as it often was. "Erica. Are you real?  Really here?" He wanted her to be. He really, truly wanted it to be her. But at the same time, he was not quite certain how to feel right now. It was such an odd mixture. Fear, anxiety, hope, love, wariness, all combined with the exhaustion of the day and a good dose of adrenaline.<br/><br/>He seemed a bit different. He had put on a few pounds. He now had thick stubble, instead of his usual smooth shave. His hair, which he usually kept around shoulder length, was cut short.  He was only wearing a pair of denim jeans, a mossy green flannel shirt, and thick socks.  He never was one to wear shoes around the house, and hadn't stopped to put shoes on before answering the door.