"Yes," she admits freely, seeing no need to hide this with how near it falls to their prior conversation. "I did battle with a great foe, and came out victorious. And most importantly, I lived through the experience."

And now she is growing, feeling roots dig deep and provide steadiness in her flesh. How could she not be happy? Her eyes flick to the pad, and then to him.

"Nothing you said offended me in the slightest. I just found myself unexpectedly busy." Delivering good news to her loved ones, setting up Degas's birthday, editing her documentation at work, it had all taken a moment or another. "But I knew the entire time that I would come back. You answered all my questions - I owe you the same courtesy in return."