Calling in sick for Koschei wasn't exactly anything new. It was almost routine, really, only that it hurt, because it was a stark reminder of the brief period of relief being over once more. He called in sick for himself, too, because Koschei needed him and because he realized that he actually wanted the reprieve and that just wouldn't do. What they could have was worth more than that.

"Do you want me to get you your meds?" It was always a difficult line to skirt, not sounding condescending, not sounding concerned. Barty tried his best. "We can both stay in today."