He had been shown where Stephanie's room was. He thanked the nice red-haired woman and set the pet carrier down by the door. He swallowed and adjusted his clothes. As if looking slightly rumpled would make Stephanie send him away. But he wasn't sure if months of manipulations left any room for him.

Marcelo took a breath and gripped the flowers tighter. The paper they were wrapped in crinkled. A sound slightly out of place to jar him into remembering to knock on the door. He raised his hand and gently knocked.