The effort Mr. Hatchitt was putting into managing small talk was astronomical in comparison with the effort silence required. That he seemed determined to expend such energy when things stood where they were led her to believe he still cared. However, that couldn't possibly be true. Someone who cared didn't allow the other to vanish as quickly as Fallon had. No, filling the void had to be a personality trait of his, a remnant of his childhood in a large family.

"He said last night he hoped to be discharged this morning," she offered nonchalantly. Lachlan'a recovery lifted a weight off her soul, she could breathe easier knowing he would be alright. "I haven't heard otherwise, yet. He should be alright, too." Everyone would be able to return to life as planned without the repeated interruption of an aging owl. Everyone but she, that was, as it'd be some weeks yet until she could return to work.