i'm not sure why i didn't just have him walk in with supper ready on the table. it isn't as though i needed him to suffer more, and i hope it didn't come across as trying to make the story fit the challenge. this is, with very few modifications, the story i wrote months ago.

as for the keys, i figured ray was prepared to see ben leave, he had to be prepared for the return... sorry i made you cry, glad you liked it anyway.