Word count: 409
The door to the shop opens abruptly, a strong wind from outside blowing in and ruffling some of the posters on the walls. George looks up, ready to make a witty remark, but he reconsiders the moment he sees his wife's expression. "Alright, Ang?"
Angelina gives him a look that tells him she is most definitely not alright. With a groan, she holds up a letter. "They've sacked me! Seven years working for that bloody menace, and I've been fired!"
George quickly sets the fireworks he's been stocking back in the bucket. "Oi! Verity! Mind taking over for a mo?"
"Right away, Mr. Weasley."
Satisfied the shop is in good hands for the time being, he links his arm with Angelina's and leads her through to the back. "Would you like some tea? Something stronger, perhaps?"
"Right now, I just want it to make sense. I can't do this…"
He sighs. It really isn't fair. Angelina has worked her arse off for years. Really, that company wouldn't be standing without her, and he suspects it's only a matter of time before it goes belly-up. Now isn't the time to tell her that, though. When Angelina is upset, it's difficult to get through to her. All he can do is let her feel what she needs to feel.
"I'll put the kettle on, just in case you change your mind."
He's glad they're well-off, and the joke shop is successful. When he was younger, his dad losing his job would have been devastating.
"I don't know what I'm supposed to do," she groans.
"I know. It's okay, though. We don't have to have all the answers right now," he assures her. "If you want, you can help me and Ron run the shop. Verity would love having another woman around. If that's not your thing, you can stay home and let me take care of you until you find something better."
His words aren't some magical cure. It's not enough to fix everything and make it all better, and the stress doesn't leave Angelina's expression just yet. Still, she smiles, and it's such a hopeful little thing, a small reminder that this isn't the end of the world, even if it feels so heavy.
"I love you," she says, moving closer and taking her hand.
"I love you more."
Things are uncertain, but it doesn't matter. George knows Angelina doesn't have to figure it out alone, and that's what matters."