Loitering in Chakotay's quarters while he unpacked, Kathryn watched him pull a newly replicated towel from his overnight bag. "You didn't bring your towel."
"No. It's starting to lose its structural integrity." Chakotay's mood had been buoyant since his return. "So I decided to have it sanitized and I'm keeping it for B'Elanna to use as a baby blanket."
"That's... very sweet, Chakotay. I'm sure she'll have plenty of baby blankets, though. Half the crew is making them. I'm making her a few myself"
"New parents can never have too many baby blankets. Plus, I decided you were right."
"Oh?"
"It was a towel of questionable fortune for me. If I pass it on, it might be good luck for someone else. Anyway, this new one is much more absorbent."
"I suppose it would be." Kathryn turned away. She needed to escape, to get away and process the reasons this conversation was creating a heavy feeling in her gut, but she was drawing a blank on reasons to leave.
"Listen, Kathryn, I'm beat. I'll see you in the morning."
"Of course. Goodnight Chakotay."
Out in the corridor, Kathryn put her face in her hands and let her heart sink.