Anika goes from counting the yards between them to counting how many feet apart they are. In fact she's whispering the numbers as her hand turns the brass doorknob, opening the door to the restaurant.

"Fifteen, thirteen, eleven..." Her eyes bright and brown and sharp as lasers survey the room, taking in the mop-top of silver hair in an instance.

"Nine, eight, seven, six" Anika is walking, no the young doctor is stalking down the center aisle toward her friend and housemate; ignoring the hostess, the waitstaff, and any customers who may be looking at her. Which might be all of them, and it might be none of them, she seriously couldn't give a damn right now.

"Five, four, threetwoone." At the table, Anika simply stares down, and then slides onto the benchseat next to Nephele, turning toward her and putting an arm up on the top of the back cushions.

"Zero. Hey-ya Nephele, you're looking good. Long time no see! Missed you in Warmsutter, but I'm glad you're not dead. And how are the waffles around here?"

At that very last word is when Anika's shell cracks and she breaks down in tears.