April 26
A good friend is someone who knows what's on your mind even when you haven't said a word.
Abby silently observed McGee from across the squad room. He was slumped at his desk, all alone, everyone else having gone home a short while ago. She knew his work had been completed a long time back.
He had seemed off all day. His usual exuberance had disappeared, leaving him looking tired and depressed – even older. He had not been as quick on the uptake as he usually was, forcing her to slow down her explanations and thus her results. Gibbs had not been happy with this turn of events, although he had not said a word.
McGee began to stir, collecting his belongings together so that he could leave. His actions were slow and methodical; he took his time. She slipped across the squad room, glad that the shadows hid her so well.
Now that she was closer, she could see the stress lines in his face. His eyes were almost dead; it scared her. She had never seen him like this in all the years she had known him. Something was very wrong with him.
Finally, he caught sight of her. He seemed surprised at her presence, which furthered her worry for him. Normally, it was very difficult for her to sneak up on him. He stared blankly at her for a few moments.
"What's wrong, Timmy?" she asked, her voice low.
He took his time to answer. "Nothing."
She glared at him.
He sighed. "My father called me last night. My grandmother is back in the hospital."
He looked lost, leading her to envelope him in a tight hug. She did not bother to tell him that everything would be fine; they were both aware it would be a lie. She waited until he had relaxed before speaking again.
"Go see her," she whispered. "Gibbs would order you to go."
He nodded. "Thanks," he whispered back. "I'll call you when I arrive."
Abby watched as he walked out. Although times were hard for him, she was confident he would bounce back.