Yes, considering her schedule lately has been chock-full of moping and avoiding people, it's safe to say she has a minute. Bitter sarcasm aside, part of her wants to refuse him anyway, tell him she damn well said all there is to say. She gives it less than zero credence, she would never for a second consider denying him what was in her power to give, but the thought rises before she can stop it. That more than anything tells her how much she's hurting, and how much she needs him.

Ironically, he of all people would understand the instinct for a caustic response, but he also knows Carol and how odd that would be from her mouth. He doesn't want to confirm what he probably fears: that she isn't the woman he thinks he knows. She fears it too.

Not trusting her words, Carol offers a thin, wordless expression, the faintest hint of a grin that is all the more diluted for the obvious effort required. She steps to the side to allow him in.