You set your fork down. "I can't," you say. "I've got work to get through." She tilts her head. "Tonight?" "Yeah." Too quick; you slow down. "I've been behind all day. If I don't catch up, tomorrow's worse." She watches you a second longer than necessary, deciding whether that's the full truth or the convenient version. "You're allowed to take a break, you know. The world won't collapse if you step away for a few hours." "It might," you reply. "I don't want to be the one to test that." A small smile. "That sounds like an excuse." "It is. A very responsible one." She folds her arms. "You've been off all day, and your fix is to sit alone and work more?" "When you put it like that, it sounds less convincing." "It is less convincing." You let out a breath, but you don't change your answer. "I'll be fine. Just a few things to get through." She nods, not satisfied, not pushing. "Alright. I won't drag you out of it." A pause, lighter: "If you change your mind, let me know. We'll be there." "I won't." "I figured." The conversation moves on, but the offer stays, set aside rather than gone. You go back to your food, already half thinking about what's waiting at your desk. Elizabeth finishes hers, gives you a half hug, and leaves. [[Cybercrime/The_Phisherman/Return to Work|Return to work]]