Melody's thoughts were lagging as she processed Ben's sudden appearance. Countless hours had disappeared throughout her stressed afternoon. A look to the window proved what she believed to be early afternoon was now early evening. 'Stupid fool.' She scolded herself internally. Had Melody realized even five minutes sooner what time it was she would have set this gruesome task for another day. Tomorrow, even. Any time other than the hour Ben was due home.

Not even her adept skills of neutrality would be able to hide the bubbling turmoil within. She hadn't had any time to compose herself but the thirty seconds it took for her to turn to face him, the open vial plain as day in her hand. Another mistake, she soon realized. Ben wasn't naive enough not to question a potion in her hand, especially when considering her track record with potions. For all she knew, he would think she was searching for a way to poison him.

His news registered only minimally as her gaze flitted between him and the floor between them. Once that deal was secure they could return home. Fuck. Melody had even less time than she thought to deal with this pregnancy. "Hi." She said finally, likely long after he stopped sharing about his day. How to tell him she was only seconds away from (hopefully) ridding herself of their baby? Melody resealed the potion and turned her attention to him once more. "I uhm. We should talk."