[ It feels a little wrong to smile at a time like this, but it also feels wrong not to smile back when he's trying. So she does, because a smile has for so long been the only help she could offer someone, but its a sad thing and it slips away quickly enough as his question causes her to straighten slightly, turning to face him more properly. ]
[ Fortunately for both of them, she's aware of the concept - although she's never heard it phrased in quite such a way. Having seen it more from the perspective of those left behind and those who didn't wish to go, it's struck her more commonly as a negative thing than a 'getting to spend time at home' one. ]
Yes, I remember. [ Because it was actually quite memorable for her, considering what was discussed. There are not many people who have openly bestowed the title of 'friend' upon her, even now. ] Is that why you seemed so--
[ It occurs to her that 'down' might be the wrong word to use. She pauses, hovering in indecision for a moment, then tries, ]
... different.
[ The tone, given her delay, loses some of the question toward the end. ]
no subject
[ Fortunately for both of them, she's aware of the concept - although she's never heard it phrased in quite such a way. Having seen it more from the perspective of those left behind and those who didn't wish to go, it's struck her more commonly as a negative thing than a 'getting to spend time at home' one. ]
Yes, I remember. [ Because it was actually quite memorable for her, considering what was discussed. There are not many people who have openly bestowed the title of 'friend' upon her, even now. ] Is that why you seemed so--
[ It occurs to her that 'down' might be the wrong word to use. She pauses, hovering in indecision for a moment, then tries, ]
... different.
[ The tone, given her delay, loses some of the question toward the end. ]