They pull to an abrupt stop right in front of the dorms, not on purpose, but by pure coincidence because Elsie has been all but stopped in her tracks by that clever revelation. Of course! Her father said he was happy she had friends. How would he know if he didn't have some way to check? He wouldn't send such lovely gift if he wasn't proud, right? But gifts don't feel like enough anymore.

"Father says he wants to come but can't..."

Her eyes seem to glow from within as she turns her lamp-like gaze on Gwen. "Hurry and break the barrier. Elsie is tired of waiting... alone..."