Ric carried Steph's limp form over to the bed and laid her gently on it. He then fetched a blanket and put it over her, then lay down beside her, gently wrapping his arms around her before falling asleep.
He woke later that day to find her still asleep in his arms. He gently unwound himself from her and headed downstairs to find something to eat.
About half and hour later, Steph emerged looking tired and cranky. Ric wisely kept quiet.
Steph, after finding something to eat, spoke. "Why Ric? Why did you come here? Johnny told you that you could not come near me. Why didn't you listen to him?" she said quietly.
Ric replied in the same tone "I came here to give you a letter I wrote. I was heeding Johnny's warning, but then my feelings overcame my thoughts and I acted on my love for you rather than thinking rationally. I know you and Johnny are still married and that you lied to me about the court hearing."
Steph looked surprised. "Who said Johnny and I are still together? We divorced last week." She rummaged around in a drawer and pulled out a folder labelled 'Divorce' and held it up for Ric to see. She then pulled a piece of paper out and handed it to Ric for him to read. It said all the usual details of both Steph and Johnny but under the heading 'divorce reason' it was stated as being 'irreconcilable differences' and had a date for the previous week stamped on it.
Ric read it slowly, fearing that it was all a dream. He looked up and met Steph's steady gaze. He tried to read her thoughts but couldn't. He handed her back the paper in silence.
Steph then put it back in the folder and put it back in the drawer and shut it. She then stood facing Ric, waiting for him to say something.
When he didn't, she spoke instead. "Come with me. I have to show you something" she said, taking his hand and leading him upstairs.