"Well, I hope to be equally nearby if you are moved again," he smiled at her, and comfortable enough with her to reach out and touch her hand lightly, as a son might to his mother, or grandmother as it were. He had not spent overmuch time with her, of late, but he still cared for his friend.

"It is perhaps late in the asking, but you have been well?" he asked of her, feeling guilty again for not taking more of an effort to spend time with her, to seek her company. He did enjoy being around her, and only hoped she felt the same and was not being merely polite. Sometimes it was hard to tell what it was she thought.