She swallows hard, letting out a long, shuddering breath. She slowly leans forward until her hands are pressed flat against the hardwood, supporting the majority of her weight. Her arms are shaking.

Roz stands up and stretches, taking this as invitation enough. He starts winding his way in and out between her arms, his tail tickling her face as he struts by.

Kate's far from relaxed or calm, but despite the fog in her brain and the ache in her heart, she manages a small, weak smile.