"Thank you." It's sincere, it really does mean something to him that Emily cares enough to ask, to drop by to check on him even under the guise of dropping off baked goods. The truth is, he hasn't been focusing as much as maybe should be on the situation with the letters Joel had received because so many other good things have been happening lately and he's really not used to having so much to smile about at one time. New friends, like Emily, and plans for dates and a box of pastries on his table have all proven to be excellent distractions.

"I don't know what to think about any of it," he tells her, and it feels kind of good to say that because he hasn't wanted to make Joel feel like he should worry any more than he already does. "The police know about it but the detective we talked to said there isn't much that can really be done other than checking in occasionally." He offers a crooked smile. "That doesn't seem like it would help much after the fact, though, does it?"