I knocked. She didn't answer. I said her name. She asked if I needed anything. Her voice was strained. I said no and asked if she was alright. She said yes, but I noticed the crack in her voice. I could hear the hitch in her breath, the suppressed sob in her throat. She was crying. I decided not to mention it, and said in a gentle tone that I would be out in the living room when she came out. I'm writing this and it's been another few minutes. Oh stars, what have I done?