"I only mean that you're welcome here and that you needn't feel in a rush to leave before you're ready. I do plan on keeping you for always, but not necessarily in my house." Maddie is my very best friend, of course, but John's earned a firm place in my heart since finding me lost and broken on the beach and the least I would share with him is a place in my home as well. "Worse things have happened everywhere. I understand that this isn't an easy thing for you, but give it some time."

I rest a hand on his arm, just to remind him he isn't without a friend who loves him dearly, and sip my tea.

"Did you get to visit with your Crocodile, at least?"