[stands in the gap of the open door, and exhales] [he never announces his arrival with fanfare, but silently shuts the front door and looks avidly for his wife around the house] Beth?
Liz: *she sneaks up behind him and taps him on his left shoulder while quickly stepping to the right*
[catches himself mid-startle, and turns to see her] [he beams] Beth!
[delighted, he takes off his gloves and folds them into his back pocket, sets down the bag filled with flour that was slung over his shoulder, and then promptly, affectionately, takes her hand in both of his] How are you?
Liz: *gives his hands a squeeze before hugging him with a joyful laugh* Much better now! I missed you.
[lets out a small, laughing gasp as she embraces him, and then holds her firmly and wordlessly] [he draws back, holds the side of her face and smiles, and then embraces her quickly again] Were you unwell, before? [draws back, but not fully, and looks at her] [his eyes tell of his own exhaustion, but more of his relaxation to be home with her]
Liz: Oh, no, just a slight headache. *actually, it was a migraine, but she tends to downplay things when she gets one, and the worst of it is over* Dinner’s nearly ready. Why don’t you sit down, and I’ll bring you some tea?
Zerach: *comes into the room* Mama, I want a snake!
Liz: Zerach, I don’t think–
Zerach: Papa, can I have a pet snake?
[notices Zera come into the room but glances at her, unbelieving] [as he picks up his son, he moves her hair out of her face and kisses her forehead]
[looks at Zera, feigned indignant] It is good to see you, too. [kisses his hair and sets him down] And you interrupted your mama. [looks at Liz] What did you say, mama?
