Two Pillowcases
"Detective! Just... I made you something," Tippy said as she stepped closer.
Murdoch took them from her hands, his eyebrows raising slightly as he looked at them. "What are these?"
"They're pillowcases. The linens provided by Mr. and Mrs. Lester are always somewhat threadbare," she explained, trying to sound casual, though her heart was racing.
Murdoch looked at the pillowcases for a moment. "Well, I only have one pillow. I, I, I don't need both."
Tippy shook her head, her voice steady. "No, no, no. I already monogrammed both. Perhaps you'll have company one day."
"No, I don't think so. But maybe... when my wife returns, they will be useful," Murdoch replied immediately.
Tippy blinked, clearly taken aback. "Wife?" she echoed, a hint of surprise slipping into her voice.
Murdoch gave a small nod. "Yes. Is something wrong?"
"Oh, I just... I thought maybe you had parted ways with your wife, since you moved here alone," Tippy admitted, her voice trailing off.
Murdoch's expression remained serious, his gaze steady. "No, not at all. She's away for some time. We're still very much together, happily married, almost ten years now."
"Oh..." Tippy forced a smile, though her disappointment was hard to hide. "Well, that's... wonderful to hear, Detective. I hope she will appreciate them." She gave a small, slightly awkward smile, her voice lacking its usual brightness.
Murdoch nodded curtly. "I'm sure she will. Thank you. This was very kind."
Tippy nodded back, swallowing her disappointment. "Of course. Anytime."
Murdoch turned and walked across the hallway to his own room. Tippy watched him open his door, her forced smile fading as soon as he disappeared inside. She quietly closed the door to her own room, leaning against it for a moment, her expression now a mix of disappointment and resignation.