It looks like change is in the air for Leonard and Penny in a new preview for The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 13.

Last night’s episode of The Big Bang Theory left off with the state of Penny and Leonard’s relationship in question for the first time in several seasons. Now a new preview for The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 13 shows that the conflict which began in “The Hesitation Ramification” will carry through to “The Occupation Recalibration.”

In the preview for The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 13, Leonard tries to discuss the state of his and Penny’s relationship with Penny. But quick clips of Leonard leaving the apartment building – trailed by a desperate Sheldon – indicate that their conversation will not go well.

Still, the sight of Penny apparently following Leonard down the stairs gives us hope that all is not lost for The Big Bang Theory‘s constantly contentious couple. (And that the geeky gang might finally be getting somewhere in puppy-training Sheldon.)

The official synopsis for “The Occupation Recalibration” tells us why Sheldon has the time to get involved with his friends’ relationship drama – and indicates a serious career decision made by Penny.

Sheldon tries to relax after he is forced to take a vacation. Meanwhile, Leonard struggles to be supportive of Penny after she quits her job, and Bernadette seeks Stuart’s help in replacing one of Howard’s comic books.

Josh Peck, of Nickelodeon’s Drake & Josh, will guest star as the owner of a rival comic book store in competition with the lachrymose Stuart. It looks like Bernadette will have her hands full in “The Occupation Recalibration.”

The Big Bang Theory season 7, episode 13, “The Occupation Recalibration,” will air on Thursday, Jan. 9 at 8:00 p.m. on CBS.

Do you think that Leonard and Penny will stay together on ‘The Big Bang Theory’?