Carl got out of the car, carefully cradling the box containing the food he got for Ryan. He had gotten shrimp and vegetable soup dumplings. Not only was it a warm and balanced meal, but shrimp was also one of Ryan's favorites.
He walked to the department and paused to look at the floor with Ryan's office. All the lights were off. Ryan must still be in the lab. He started up the stairs, his steps light. He wondered what Ryan's expression would be like when he saw him. He could already see the way Ryan's glasses would cloud over as he leaned over the box. Carl wasn't sure if Ryan would be able to come home tonight or would be staying back at school, so at least he would be able to watch him eat dinner.
"Carl?"
A questioning tone called out to him. Carl looked up and found his father standing at the end of the staircase, holding his work bag, obviously ready to leave work.
"What are you doing here?"
