Kristoff came in through the back and went immediately to the office, where he found Anna sitting in a chair, slowly sipping water. As soon as she looked up at him, Anna's eyes filled to the brim with tears again, and she set the glass down, stood up, and took two big steps into his outstretched arms.

"I'm here," he mumbled into her hair, holding her as close as he possibly could. "What happened?"

She shook her head no and that was enough. He gathered her stuff, gave Bulda a quick hug, and then moved Anna out to his truck. Kristoff knew she would tell him when she was ready. For now, he just wanted to get her out of here and home.

As soon as they were in the car, her hand found his, holding it tight even though she was shaking. He chose not to say anything until she did, and just made sure she knew he was right here, whatever she needed. Squeezing her hand, Kristoff glanced over to her and felt his heart tighten at her bloodshot eyes and red nose.

"Thank you" she whispered, offering him the smallest smile.

The ride was still quiet, but when they parked outside her apartment, Anna grabbed his wrist as he moved to grab her bag. "Wait …" She sniffled and wiped at her eyes with her free hands. "I don't want Eli to see me like this."

Kristoff nodded and sat back into his seat. "Do you want to talk about it?"

She bit her lip, sniffed again, and sighed. "Hans' mother…" Anna let out a deep breath. "She showed up at the diner. Kind of ambushed me…"

Telling him the details, Anna wiped at her eyes, glad the heavy tears weren't flowing anymore. She could feel him tensing, but tried her best to keep him calm. "Anyway… I know she misses her son, and I know Eli looks just like him and she just is trying to find a way to keep her child close… but I don't understand why she can't just work with me and help me and be a positive presence in our lives…" Anna swallowed her thoughts, turning to face Kristoff. "She just… frustrates me."

Kristoff ran his hand over her hair, stopping as his palm cupped her cheek. He placed a gentle kiss on her hairline before pressing his forehead against hers, hoping to help calm her down.

"I'm…" She sniffled again, closing her eyes. "I know she doesn't have an actual reason for it and even if she did, there's nothing wrong with my home or our life… but," she paused, her hand resting on his knee. "I keep being afraid that she's going to try and use her money to force me to give Eli to her. Or call CPS on me. Or something." Anna shook her head, furrowing her brow. "Or… she found my work. What if she finds where I live? What if she… does something."

"Hey." Kristoff pulled back, moving his hands to her shoulders and making her look him in the eye. "I've dealt with CPS. You're giving Eli an amazing life. They wouldn't take him for anything. I promise."

Anna nodded, lifting her fingers to his arms. "Thank you."

Kristoff kissed her forehead again, smiling. "And… Maybe do you…" He stopped himself, shaking his head. "Let's go inside."

"Do I what?"

"Ah," he flushed, shrugging. "It's nothing."

"No. Tell me."

He sighed, frowning slightly. "Well, I mean…" He shrugged. "I was going to say if you wanted some solace… I have a spare room at my cabin, you know… You and Eli can stay with me for a little bit, if you want… I…" He laughed awkwardly, reaching for her bag. "But it was… dumb."

"No!" Anna protested, grabbing his cheeks. "No. It's not stupid. I…" Nodding, she smiled. "That would… make me feel a lot better, actually. I'd like not being alone there for Christmas."

They both were blushing, and Kristoff finally grabbed her bag, pulling it into his lap. "Okay. If you're sure. Let's… get Eli."

Anna nodded. "Let's get Eli."