[ He huffed, looking back up at her, then offering an empty sort of smile. ]

Trying to remember the last time I did this without the weight of the world literally on my shoulders. Problem is I can't; must have been so long ago.

Not exactly carrying less of a burden now as ever, but I gotta admit it's nicer now than I know it'll be in a week or so. New arrivals always blow the status quo, and I'm trying to enjoy the quiet before it's ruined all over again, know what I mean?