"Hi, Mia!" Claus said, a smile not so broad sitting pretty on his face.

Mia's eyes widened in disbelief as Claus stood at the entrance of her home, seemingly materializing out of thin air. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Claus? Is that really you? What are you doing here?"

Claus met her gaze, concern etched on his face. "Mia, I... I had to see you. I'm so sorry for everything you've been through...for what happened to Rick."

Mia's eyes welled up with tears.

"You disappeared, Claus. No ...