Emotional Strain

She drew back and connected her gaze with him.

"Are you.." before she could finish, his phone began ringing again. His face twisted with irritation as he looked down at the name flashing. It was his assistant. Maya stepped away, allowing him the space.

"What is it now?" he practically barked into the phone. She flinched at the harshness in his tone. However, his expression soon turned from anger to shock to consternation as worry filled his features.

"I am coming," he responded before hanging up.

"What happened?" Maya asked, concerned by his paled face. He looked up at her, his eyes reflecting a sense of dread.

"Dad is in the hospital. He had a heart attack," he told her.

"I've to go," he said absently before starting towards the door.

"I'll come with you," Maya insisted, knowing very well he was already spent and this news had drained him further. She knew he would still soldier on but he would need someone to lean on.

He didn't protest and took her hand. They left together.