Marzia's POV (time travelling back 1 day to when PJ left Sophie)

(trying to get more perspectives instead of just two, with a back and forth pattern):

When PJ came in. He acknowledged me, walked in, and just sat staring into space. Maya went up to him and started to lick his limp hand dangling. He didn't even notice. I walked over to him and sat beside him.

"Hi, PJ, what's going on?" I broke the silence. PJ just continued to stare into space. He was like that for 15 minutes straight. I walked away to put the kettle on, so that we'd have tea for when he snapped out of his trance. When I was back at PJ's side, with brewed tea, PJ suddenly burst into tears and covered his face with his hands. He curled up in his corner of the couch. Maya jumped up onto my lap and ran over to lick whatever part of PJ she could reach. I grabbed PJ by the shoulders, turned him so we made eye contact and said very firmly

"PJ, you need to tell us what is wrong, so that we can help or get you help. You can be sad and cry, but it will not do anything to solve this problem, since I'm assuming the problem is fixable via methods other than avoidance," I didn't miss a beat as I said that.

PJ's POV:

" Sophie's p-p-pregnant" I said, trying to pull myself together. I could feel Marzia loosen her grip on my shoulders and her face soften in relief.

"PJ, are you afraid?" Marzia asked genuinely, no mockery in her voice, just caring

"Of what?" I scoffed trying to regain my dignity... I wasn't fooling anybody

"PJ, don't you think Sophie is scared too?" Marzia put into my thoughts. I looked down, thinking over the question.

"Don't you think in your hour of fear, you'd want your loved one to be there for you? For someone to lean on?" Marzia continued. I looked up at her.

"PJ," She finally smiled warmly, " it is normal to be afraid. You know you can stay here as long as you need, but I do think Sophie will need you eventually".