To say Clarice is startled by Cayde's demeanor is an outright understatement. He's his usual self, as though nothing had ever happened. Part of her wants desperately to run with it, to join him in the illusion and just carry on.

But she also knows the cost of burying trauma down deep, and how long and far it can spread its roots unchecked. She decides to settle for a middle ground and ease her way, see how far he'll let her in. She smiles.

"Thanks, Cayde, I 'ppreciate that. Maybe some real chairs if we can find such an animal, but for right now, it does what I need it to in between shifts at the diner and supply runs for folks. How's the Deep End looking, did you lose any fish while we were away?"