She closed the oven door, relishing the memories of autumns past spent doing this very same thing with Mary as children. This was the final batch to bake, and she'd already cleaned up from making the dough. Next she could work on making the icing and decorating, her favorite part.

She heard the front door opening and turned in time to see a very bewildered looking Mary walking in.

Mary: "What happened? Where did all this … stuff … come from? And do I smell… PUNKIN COOKIES?"

The bewildered look was instantly replaced with utter glee as Mary ran into the kitchen, letting the door slam behind her. She took a deep breath, trying to hold on to the smell she most associated with happiness.

Mary: "You bought all this today?"
Emily: "Yep- had some time this morning, then work just wasn't working, so I left early. I decided to make cookies for the party tonight."

A shadow of confusion crossed over Mary's face.

Mary: "Party? What party?"
Emily: "The Halloween party slash video filming Andy invited us to go to with the guys. Didn't you check your voice mail?"

Mary's cheer was quickly dissipated.

Mary: "No. Do I have to go?"
Emily: "Yes, you do."
Mary: "Well, what if I just refuse?"

The timer for the cookies went off just as Emily was about to speak. With a sigh she turned her attention back to the oven.

Emily: "What's with you lately? You've been so combative for… months!"
Mary: "No I haven't!"
Emily: "There you go again."

Emily's voice was quiet as she tried to fight back a creeping sadness, a feeling of hopelessness that was clawing it's way up from deep inside.

Mary: "I'm just having a bad day, I don't know if I want to deal with… everyone."
Emily: "You seem to be living in a series of bad days lately."
Mary: "Haven't we all?"
Emily: "If you have something to say to me, I really wish you'd just come out and say it."
Mary: "What on earth are you talking about now?"

Emily: "I get the impression you don't want me around here. Should I start looking for somewhere else to live?"

Mary was stunned- that was the furthest thing from her mind. She just stared at Emily open mouthed, trying to regain her senses.

Mary: "Whoa, Emily- that's… No! Whatever gave you that idea?"
Emily: "It just seems like you're getting sick of having me around."

Mary: "Emily- think. You know perfectly well that if I didn't want you staying here, you'd be out on your ass in a heartbeat."
Emily: "You know, I think you're the only person who could say something like that and have it be comforting. Sorry for the outburst."
Mary: "Well we've had some stuff to deal with. You know."

Emily nodded, gathering ingredients she needed to make the icing for the cookies. After a few short minutes she had everything out on the table ready for finishing touches. She and Mary sat down opposite one another, and stared ahead blankly.

Emily: "I don't know about you, but I just cannot get started."
Mary: "Me either. I've kinda felt off all day."
Emily: "Me too, actually."

They both looked up simultaneously, exchanging the same concerned look.

Mary: "You don't think…"
Emily: "Oh no, not again… Do you think it's just us?"
Mary: "I guess this means I'm going to the party."