I stand there a few minutes longer studying her. There's something in her tone that makes me think she's not telling the truth. I want to see if I'm correct so I move in closer and put my hands on her shoulders again. But this time I try to avoid her muscle. Again she flinches under my touch.

"Monica, you're lying. That wasn't your muscle and yet you feel pain."

"John, why don't you just leave me alone?" she says angry. "Why do you think that something's wrong just because my shoulders and my neck ache? It probably happened in gym last night. Would you stop being so worried."

"Look Monica I'm sorry. It's just that you arrived late this morning, than you have this terrified look in your eyes and now when I touch you, you keep wincing in pain. I do think it's normal that I'm worried." Her look softens and she lays a hand on my arm.

"Look John, I appreciate your concern but it's not necessary. Go back to work."

When my stomach starts growling I look up at the clock and see it's noon. I take a look in Monica's direction and see that her eyes are closed. "Monica?" I ask softly. She opens her eyes and looks at me. "What?"

"Why don't you call it a day? It's okay if you won't tell me what's wrong but please would you just do me a favour and go home? Take a bath or something, go to bed."

I was expecting to hear her contradict but to my surprise she nods.

"I think you're right John. I'm going home. Are you sure you can handle this alone?"

"Yes I'll manage... Now go"

She gives a smile and leaves. After she has left the room I sigh. I know there's something she's not telling me and I feel a little hurt. Normally I'm the one who puts up walls between us, and not her. Why does she have such a hard time opening up to me about this. And why does she keep flinching when I touch her? She's obviously in more pain than she is willing to show me. I hope she feels better tomorrow. With that thought I take my jacket and go get some lunch.

When I've finished the final report I get in the car and start the engine. It takes me a few minutes before I realise that I'm heading towards Monica's place. I don't know why I'm driving there, but I just wanna make sure that she is okay. I park the car and look through her window. I see the light burn and so I know she's home. My mind is struggling whether to go in there and knock on her door, or to drive home again. I choose the last one.