Jo's departure had weighed on Zach's heart much of the evening. He'd tossed and turned until he'd given up on sleep completely and gone to, unsuccessfully, bury himself in a book until it was time to floo to the shop. While work offered him a distraction, it was fairly apparent to those around him that his heart just wasn't in it that day.

When it came time to close up, he had abruptly left, floo'd home, and then apparated to a nearby town he elected to purchase groceries in. He spent so much time choosing the correct ingredients that the shopkeeper asked after his health three times.

His distracted mind followed him home where he diligently cooked Jo's favorite of the handful of recipes he made, a simple, yet hearty stew that he was sure to add spices he'd picked up from his travels to. He was so engaged with the task that he didn't realize at first that her and Ilona had arrived until their daughter's babbling reached his ears.

"Forgive me, I--" Was distracted. Wasn't sure you would even come.

"Did you have a pleasant day?"