[He smiles, though weakly. A part of him has a dozen things to say to her- none of it anything that would get past his facade unedited, if at all.

Hadn't he been meaning to tear down that wall he kept between himself and others anyway? There had been progress, at least. He was getting to know the people here, and would certainly call at least a few "friends" by now- but a few was all he really wanted. That, and something more... substantial.]

Well... you were certainly missed. But the week might not have gone much better for you here- and what's important is that you're back, and safe.