...I used to talk to you, every day.

I knew you couldn't hear me. But I did anyway.

No, but...

[ His eyes lower to the ground and his voice grows softer. ]

I am grateful.

I didn't know what else to try. But bonds are magic here. I wanted to make sure you were always still part of the team.

[ His hand flutters to hold the key around his neck. ]

I truly want that.

It won't be otherwise.

[ He smiles again. ]

Thank you.

[ He hesitates for a moment. ]

You look different. Did the time away treat you well?

Some of it did. It... a lot happened.

If it pleases you, I would not mind listening.

Should I start from the beginning? It's a long story.

The beginning seems to be a good place. With any luck, I should have plenty of time to hear it.

All right. So then... when you went into the Book, Breath came. He was very... young.

...well, he was probably my age, but he seemed young.

[no Mau you just act like you're forty]

You have always carried yourself with maturity. Perhaps that was the difference?

[ Translation: You act like you're forty. ]

Whatever that means!

Anyway. Hm. We got the dog, pretty soon after you left, too.

I believe I've seen the dog. So that was when she arrived?

Yeah. She's grown a lot since then.

She's a pretty dog.

Well trained by now, too. I missed having a dog.

Could you get one out there?

It'd probably be too hard to feed one.

Ah... I had not thought of that.

It's fine. It's something to look forward to.

Look forward to?

For when I get back to you people.

[ Acheron's eyes widen and he's startled into glancing directly at Mau for a full moment. ]

You're coming back?

[he nods]

I don't know when... but when I can.