Goblin Slayer - Volume 4 - Chapter 10

Chapter 10 – Of Going There And Back Again

Evening was encroaching as the shared carriage came to its stop. The sinking sun threw out its last red rays, and the world was painted purple alongside streaks of darkness. The vehicle’s stretching shadow merged with the huge, warped silhouettes of the town, creating cartoonish and bizarre figures. 

When he heard children racing home in the distance, Goblin Slayer relaxed. He did not understand why his muscles grew so stiff in the carriage, even though all he was doing was riding along. He was fully conscious, but his body felt heavy, his head fuzzy and his footsteps uncertain and light. 

I suppose this is the moment , he decided, closing his eyes for a few seconds to push back the dull pain within them. He recalled hearing somewhere, once, that humans could only fight continuously for at best about twenty days. Without rest, any more than that would likely degrade their abilities in a number of ways. 

Goblin Slayer was not so optimistic as to assume he could last that long. 

He set off at a bold stride, making a beeline for the building that towered next to the main gate—the Guild. He would make his report, collect his reward, see to his equipment, get some rest, and then go out once more to kill goblins. 

It was the exact same routine he always followed. It never changed. It couldn’t. 

But as he went to open the Guild door… 

“Whoa!” 

“Oh…my.” 

It opened from the other side, and he found himself nearly running into a man and a woman coming out. The man jumped back a few steps when confronted with the steel helmet covered in crimson stains. His well-endowed female companion simply stood with her staff at the ready and her lips forming an elegant arch. 

“Geez, pal,” Spearman said with a tremendously tired expression. “You really need to stop walking around with that helmet on.” 

“Did I surprise you?” 

“No more than usual!” 

“You…know, you…look like living…armor, yes?” 

Witch’s giggling seemed to make the already nonplussed Spearman even more irate. 

Goblin Slayer turned his helmet from one side to the other, watching them without concern. Spearman was equipped with his armor and his beloved spear, a knapsack hanging from the point. As for Witch, she was wearing her usual outfit and held her usual staff. She also carried a cylindrical container with a scroll in it. It was perfectly obvious where the two were going. 

“Off on an adventure?” 

“Yes.” Witch’s eyes, graced by long lashes, narrowed slightly. “A date…if you will.” 

“And I guess you’ve been up to goblin slaying?” 

“Yes,” Goblin Slayer nodded. “I just finished.” 

“Feh. Sure,” Spearman muttered, then opened his mouth to say something else. But an expression that was difficult to describe passed over his face; he looked from the helmet to the Guild and back again, then closed his mouth without saying anything. 

Goblin Slayer pushed the door open, making room to one side. After a moment’s reflection, thinking he should say something, he offered briefly, “Be careful.” 

“You’re the last person I want to hear that from.” 

Spearman bumped a fist against Goblin Slayer’s shoulder as he passed by. He was already on his way as Goblin Slayer regarded his shoulder with a touch of perplexity. When he looked up again, he found Witch giving him an oddly significant smile before making her exit, her hips swaying. 

“…Hmm.” 

Goblin Slayer cocked his head slightly, letting go of the half-open door. It creaked as it slid shut, and then he opened it again, by himself this time. 

The rousing holler of the building enveloped him. One party was clustered at the front desk, trying to report on their adventure. Another eyed the bulletin board, looking for a quest they could start immediately. Some people were hanging out at the bar, enjoying a day off, while others were eagerly taking on new adventures. It was loud, it was rude, and the whole place rang with the sound of weapons and equipment and voices. 

Goblin Slayer gave the scene a once-over from the entranceway, then strode over to the open waiting area. He could see that Guild Girl was currently busy helping other adventurers. His head bobbed in response to her slight bow, and he plopped onto the bench. 

“Oh!” 

“Ah!” 

This provoked a pair of incoherent exclamations from nearby. He turned to look and found a young man and a young woman who appeared completely exhausted. 

It was Rookie Warrior and Apprentice Priestess. Perhaps they had been having a water fight, because their hair was damp, and they were soaked through. All the same, there was a hint of excitement on their faces, most likely the pleasure of a job done. 

A club hung next to the sword at the boy’s hip. It was grimy and well-used, and there was a loop of string at the hilt. Goblin Slayer tilted his helmet ever so slightly. 

“So you’re using it.” 

“…Oh, uh, yeah.” Rookie Warrior shifted uncomfortably, then gave the club a gentle smack with his open palm. “It’s pretty good.” 

“Is that so?” Goblin Slayer said with a nod. 

Rookie Warrior scratched his cheek in a way that suggested indecision, then said, “I’ve been thinking…” 

“…” 

“Maybe I’ll name it Masher.” 

“I see.” 

“Hey,” Apprentice Priestess said, giving the young warrior a jab with her elbow. “That name’s embarrassing.” 

Rookie Warrior grunted, but didn’t back down. “Yeah, but…” 

Goblin Slayer looked from one to the other as they began to bicker, then stood up. 

The party in front of Guild Girl was gone. 

Goblin Slayer was silent for a moment, but before he began to move he murmured, “That’s not bad.” 

Their argument stopped in an instant. The boy and girl gaped at the cheap-looking steel helmet as though they couldn’t believe what they’d just heard. The helmet inclined just a bit to look down at them. 

“It won’t do for throwing, but that string is clever,” the quiet voice went on. “Maybe I’ll try it.” 

The two young adventurers found themselves looking at each other as Goblin Slayer turned his back to them and strode off. 

At the reception desk Guild Girl, finished with the other adventurers, was straightening a sheaf of papers. When she saw the grimy steel helmet, she gave a bright smile. 

“Welcome back, Mr. Goblin Slayer!” 

“Thanks.” The chair groaned under his weight as he sat down, and he briefly registered some unfamiliar objects on the reception desk. They were dolls small enough to fit in the palm of the hand—no, it was a group of five or six pawns in the shape of adventurers. 

“Oh, these?” Guild Girl couldn’t restrain a giggle as she patted one with a fingertip. It seemed to be a warrior in light armor. It stood with a tiny shield and sword, and she placed it gently in her hand. “I found them the other day… They’re just game pieces, but I felt a little bad putting them away somewhere.” 

“Is that so?” She nodded at him and put the figurine back in its place. A lightly armored scout, a knight with a steel helmet, an elf sorceress, a dwarf warrior, and an elderly monk. 

“Is this…a party?” 

“Yes. Adventurers who set off to close the gate of the tomb that leads to hell. Not that they ever quite managed…” She scratched her cheek. 

“It’s well balanced,” he said. 

“Yes. It’s a very good party.” She talked about their adventure as if it had actually happened. How they had found the entrance to the tomb, fought with a guardian monster in green, and the terrible maze… 

Goblin Slayer listened in silence, until Guild Girl came back to herself with a start. 

“P-pardon me! I’ve just been going on all this time…” 

“Don’t worry,” Goblin Slayer said with a shake of his head. “It’s quite interesting.” 

“It is?” Guild Girl cocked her head with a slight bob of her braids. Then she gave a little cough. She offered him a cup of the tea she had prepared and settled herself again in her seat. 

“So, uh… How’d your quest go?” 

Goblin Slayer took the cup and drained it, then said: 

“There were goblins.” 

Right, right . Guild Girl was smiling as if this made her happy, her pen dancing along the page. How many were there? How had they set themselves up? How had he killed them? Did he rescue anyone? Was the quest successful? 

He gave her the information dispassionately. All was just as usual. Another goblin slaying job by Goblin Slayer. When she had finished taking down a quick report, she read it back over, double-checking everything. 

It was all in order. Guild Girl congratulated him again on a job well done, then put her seal on the report. Now the job was truly over. All that was left was to get his reward from the safe. 

“Now then, your reward… Oh, that’s right.” She clapped her hands with their neatly trimmed nails. There was something she mustn’t forget. “Do you remember the village from the other day?” 

“Which village?” 

“The one you went to alone…” 

“Ah,” he nodded. The cave. The villagers. The boy. The prisoner. “I remember.” 

“Well, that village,” Guild Girl said with a meaningful chuckle, “sent you a little thank-you gift.” 

She told him to wait for a moment and scuttled off like a happy puppy. She took a leather pouch out of the safe and measured it on a scale, making sure the gold weighed what it should. No problem. 

She put the pouch on a tray, then gave a hup! and placed an incongruous basket beside it. The result, on the reception desk, was a pile of corn that looked to be freshly harvested. 

“They said this is for you to eat!” 

“Oh-ho.” 

Goblin Slayer picked up one of the ears; it was heavy in his hand. He pulled back the leaves to reveal beautiful golden kernels. 

“This is very ripe.” 

“Isn’t it?” She stuck out her delightfully average chest, as proud as if she had grown it herself. “And you know what? The person who brought it was someone you saved recently.” 

“…Was it, now?” 

“Uh-huh!” Guild Girl let her eyes drift to the corn with an expression that bespoke relief. It was rare that adventurers or mercenaries found themselves with a second chance when they had failed once. “It’s great, huh?” 

“Yeah.” Goblin Slayer let his helmet bob slowly up and down. “Excellent.” 

And then, with all the paperwork and procedures finished, Goblin Slayer took the basket of corn and stood. Except for very recent registrants, none of those gathered in the Guild paid him special attention. Perhaps a few glanced up and remarked, “Oh, he’s at it again.” It was no different for Apprentice Boy as he peeked out from the workshop, offering a small bow. 

Goblin Slayer stopped. “What is it?” The boy wiped his hands on his apron before he spoke. 

“Aw, nothing. I just thought you might, uh, need a sword or something, and I wanted to come take your order.” 

“I see,” Goblin Slayer nodded. “In that case, one, please.” 

“Sure thing. Don’t want to order several at once?” 

“No.” Goblin Slayer patted the sheath at his side. “I can only carry one at a time.” 

“That’s our Goblin Slayer,” Apprentice Boy said with a wry smile and a nod. “I’ll get one ready for you, then, and—whoa! That’s some corn!” He caught sight of the basket and blinked. “Lucky you,” he said. “I didn’t realize it was the season already.” 

“It is.” 

“Out in the country, back before I came here, we used to boil corn all the time. You know, in summer.” 

“Is that so?” Goblin Slayer reached nonchalantly into the basket and pulled out two or three ears of corn. He thrust them in the apprentice’s direction. “Do you want some?” 

Apprentice Boy made a sound of surprise. “Can I? Really?” 

“I owe quite a bit to you and your master.” 

“W-well, sure, then! Thanks very much!” Bowing his head, Apprentice Boy ran off with corn under both arms. “Hey, boss!” His voice echoed in the workshop. Goblin Slayer turned and walked on. 

The day was ending and adventures were over, so the Guild was packed with adventurers. He worked his way through the crowd, giving a slight nod of his head each time someone he knew greeted him. 

“Geez. You could have let us know. We could have cooked them in the kitchen.” 

Just as he reached the door, he felt a tugging on his elbow. 

“What?” He looked and saw Padfoot Waitress, holding his arm and glaring pointedly in the direction of the workshop. 

“In fact, I’m pretty sure you should have brought us some of that first.” 

“You think so?” 

“Yeah. We could have prepared it, and everyone could have shared it! That wasn’t very nice of you…” she continued, piling on the invective. 

Goblin Slayer simply nodded and said, “Is that so?” 

With his basket of corn, the steel-helmeted adventurer stood out like an even sorer thumb than usual. 

“Yo, Goblin Slayer!” a jubilant voice called from the tavern. 

He turned his helmet to look. Heavy Warrior waved a hand, his red face suggesting he was well into his cups already. 

“You look like a man who needs a drink. C’mere and let’s toast!” 

“Don’t tell me you want him to join us?” Female Knight, her lovely face tinged with a bit of crimson, puffed out her cheeks next to the warrior. 

“Aw, what’s the harm? Just once in a while.” 

“Some of us would like something other than goblin stories to go with our drinks.” Her chair clattered as she stood with an exasperated mutter of “Oh, forget it,” and changed seats. “Move over, kids. The paladin’s sitting here.” 

“I dunno, you really think you can call yourself a paladin with a mouth like that…?” said Scout Boy. 

“You watch yourself. See if I don’t Holy Smite you one of these days…” 

“Sure. It’s been nothing but Shield Bash with you lately,” Druid Girl commented. 

“And what, pray tell, is wrong with a knight using her shield? Blame the gods for not giving me any miracles!” 

“Agh, will you will be quiet already?! A man can’t hear himself think!” 

Scout Boy and Druid Girl had started arguing like children when Female Knight pushed them out of the way. Heavy Warrior broke in and glowered at everyone. He had no attention to spare for Goblin Slayer. 

Just as the latter was trying to figure out what to do, a shadow appeared beside him. It was the half-elf from Heavy Warrior’s party. He offered an elegant bow of his head and winked. 

“I will have a word with our esteemed leaders. Please, pay them no mind.” 

“No kidding!” Padfoot Waitress said with a chuckle. “They’re waaay past drunk. Nothing to see there.” She waved her paw-like hand as if shooing something away. “All right, sir, off with you. It wouldn’t do to keep anyone waiting, would it?” 

“…” Goblin Slayer turned his helmet toward both of them, then toward Heavy Warrior at the bar. He looked up, then down. “Thanks.” 

“No problem!” She answered his quiet word of gratitude with a smile, and he said nothing further as he left the building. 

Jostled by the adventurers all around, he opened the saloon doors and went outside. There was a cool night breeze, and within his helmet, Goblin Slayer closed his eyes. Then he took a step forward. He proceeded down the street with his usual bold, casual stride, heading for the main gate. Then again, the gate was right next to the Guild, so it wasn’t very far. Still… 

Among the press of adventurers and travelers hurrying through the gate, one massive form stood head and shoulders above the rest. Goblin Slayer stopped when he noticed the distinctive silhouette, and its owner saw him, too. 

“Oh-ho, milord Goblin Slayer!” The lizardman’s face lit up, and he made a broad wave of his arm to get the warrior’s attention. When Goblin Slayer got close enough through the crowd, he could see three others at the lizard’s side—all his usual companions were there. 

The four looked exhausted, their clothes dirty, but a sense of accomplishment was clear on their faces. Dwarf Shaman’s nose twitched at the faint smell of blood, and he unstoppered a bottle of wine to get rid of it. 

“What’s this? Don’t tell me you’re heading out again at this hour, Beard-cutter?” 

“No,” Goblin Slayer said with a shake of his helmet. “I’m on my way home. What about you?” 

“Just wrapped up a little adventure.” 

“It’s sure rough with just one person on the front row!” High Elf Archer made a sound of annoyance and an exaggerated shrug, shaking her head. Then she reached out and grabbed Priestess, pulling her into a hug. 

“E-eek!” 

“I’ll bet you’re pretty tired.” 

“N-no, I’m—” The sudden physical contact seemed to throw her for a loop; it might or might not have been why she lowered her head shyly. “I’m fine. Thanks to everyone working so hard to protect me…” 

“Aw, and modest, too!” High Elf Archer held the girl’s willowy arms, patting her head and chirping, “What a sweetie.” She managed to look up at Goblin Slayer at the same time, with no apparent intention of letting him get away. “Now,” she said, “I’m no dwarf, but I thought we should have a little treat.” 

“I see.” 

“Ooh, is that corn?” The elf’s eyes, ever sharp, fell on the basket Goblin Slayer was carrying. Unless she was terribly mistaken, it was full of ripe, yellow corn, still in the leaf. “Ooh! Ooh! Can I have some? Please?” No sooner had she spoken than she had let go of Priestess and snatched an ear. 

“Are you an elf or a rhea?” Dwarf Shaman asked, caught between exasperation and amusement. 

“It’s fine,” Goblin Slayer said, causing the elf to puff out her little chest even more proudly. 

Priestess was busy being frantic at the whole situation, and Lizard Priest let out a sharp hiss. “Oh-ho. This was a staple in my homeland.” 

“Huh? You mean you eat something besides meat?” Priestess asked, surprised. She could see an argument coming on despite their fatigue, and she wanted to avoid it if at all possible. 

“We often made porridge from it or drank it in a soup with honey or agave.” 

“Wow! I can hardly picture it.” High Elf Archer leaned in, her interest successfully diverted, and Priestess let out a small sigh of relief. 

“In that case, I shall prepare some. Ah, yes, milord Goblin Slayer.” 

“What?” 

“If I may trouble you, I would like another round of…” 

“Cheese?” 

“…Mm.” 

Lizard Priest’s head bobbed restlessly, and he couldn’t hold back a slap of his tail on the ground. 

“I’ll have it delivered directly to your room.” 

“Ahh! My gratitude knows no bounds! This has become an addiction with me…” He went on in this vein, with cries of “Oh, sweet nectar!” and the like. 

“Orcbolg,” High Elf Archer said, watching the lizard out of the corner of her eye, “why don’t you just bring it yourself, then?” 

“Then it would not be farm work.” 

“Hmmm.” 

Did that count as a kind of integrity? High Elf Archer flicked her ears and giggled. “That’s perfect, then…I was just thinking of asking you to do some work.” 

“Goblins?” 

“Absolutely not,” High Elf Archer said with a wave of her ears. “I want you to see this girl back to the temple.” 

“Hwah?!” Priestess had not expected to become the subject of conversation. She found herself being pushed from behind until she was standing in front of Goblin Slayer. She looked frantically from him to High Elf Archer and back. “Oh! Uh! I—I’m fine…by myself. It’s not far…” 

“The open road’s a dangerous place at night.” Dwarf Shaman ran a hand along his beard, a teasing smile on his face. “Goblins could show up at any time. Isn’t that right, Beard-cutter?” 

“Yes,” Goblin Slayer said with utmost seriousness. “But aren’t you staying at the Guild inn?” 

“Yeah, but it sounds like she’s got something to do with the autumn festival, hmm?” 

When High Elf Archer looked at her for confirmation, Priestess seemed unable to form an answer. It was true, apparently, but admitting as much would mean being escorted back to the temple. 

Lizard Priest cornered her further, adding his voice to the chorus: “You would do well to let him accompany you.” 

“T’aint the time to be shy now, lass.” 

“…” 

Everyone sounded so serious. They couldn’t be wrong, could they? Priestess looked from one to another, hoping to find some hint in their faces, when Goblin Slayer started moving. 

“Let’s go.” And he strode off with those two blunt words. 

“Oh, um, uh, y-yes, sir!” Priestess found herself scurrying after him, anxious not to be left behind. 

She glanced over her shoulder to find the other three watching them go, their smiles suggesting they were amused by the scene. She found that strangely embarrassing and felt the heat rising in her cheeks, but she bowed to them just the same. 

“I’ll, uh, see you tomorrow then!” 

Goblin Slayer stopped and thought for a moment, his helmet tilting just a little, then started walking again. Priestess hurried to catch up as he got farther and farther away. She only caught up to him when he slackened his pace. 

“H-have you been, uh, busy recently?” Priestess gazed up at him, struggling to bring her breathing under control. He wore the same steel helmet as always. If the headgear had not already concealed his expression, the darkness would have. 

“Yes,” Goblin Slayer said with a nod. “I needed some money.” 

“Money…?” 

“I’ve saved enough now.” 

Hm. Priestess tapped a pale finger to her lips, watching the ground in thought. She felt a touch of dissatisfaction, and a touch of worry. She didn’t experience it as jealousy, exactly. It was a sadness, almost an anger, that he hadn’t called upon her. He should have felt free to let her know. 

As she stood thinking, he kept walking, and she made an effort to catch up. It didn’t take them long to reach the temple of the Earth Mother. 

“We’re here.” When Goblin Slayer called out, she looked up to find herself at the doorway to the temple. The purple sun of twilight played across the porcelain walls; within, a fire lit by the night watch flickered. 

“Thank you very much,” Priestess said, walking up the stairs to the entrance. 

Am I…okay with this? 

No. No, she wasn’t. That was why she plucked up her courage and spoke. She was sure her face was red, but perhaps between the twilight and the darkness, he wouldn’t be able to tell. 

“U-um! Next time you go on an adventure, be…be sure to let me know!” she said as forcefully as she could. 

“…” 

Goblin Slayer said nothing at first and only looked at her. But after a moment he said, “All right,” and gave an unmistakable nod. “I will.” 

That was all Priestess needed to hear. Her face lit up so brightly it was obvious even in the deepening dark. “Okay!” she exclaimed. “See you tomorrow, then!” 

“See you tomorrow,” he murmured, watching as she turned and disappeared into the temple. 

For a while he simply stood there in front of the building. 

I met quite a few people today. He’d had the thought once before. 

But, he reflected, it wasn’t exactly true. Those people were always there. Things had, in some sense, changed. But in another, they hadn’t. It was simply that he had never noticed it. 

He had the sense that a great many things had escaped his notice. He took a deep breath in and then let it slowly out. 

He walked past the Guild—still bustling—then out the gate and onto the road. The twin moons and the stars between them conspired to mute the sense of darkness, even though it was night. A breeze rustled the underbrush, offering a pleasant coolness. 

He walked silently down the path at his usual pace. 

And then, in the distance, he saw a single point of light. At the same time, in the same place as always. He had come to where he could see the light of the farm. 

Goblin Slayer picked up his pace slightly. He passed the stone wall that he and the farm’s owner had built together and walked through the fence he had mended, up to the door. 

After a breath, Goblin Slayer stood before the old wooden door, but did not immediately make to open it. First, he dug in the pouch of items at his waist, pulling out a bag that bulged with gold coins. It had a good heft in his hand. He loosened the strings and checked the contents. Everything was in order. He put it away. His steel helmet moved right, then left. Finally, he lifted his gaze to the sky. 

“Good,” he whispered faintly, then put his hand on the doorknob. He turned it and pushed the door open. 

Along with the creaking of the door came a relaxing warmth and a sweet aroma. Just as he registered that it was something boiled with milk, the girl standing in the kitchen turned around. 

“Phew! You were out late today.” She blinked in surprise, wiping her hands on her apron and hurrying around the kitchen. 

He closed the door behind him, entering the house with studied steps. She glanced at him and saw the basket he carried at his side. 

“What’s with the corn? Looks great!” 

“A gift,” he said, placing the basket on the table. 

“Oh yeah?” she said, stirring the large pot. Without looking at him, she added, “Not on top of the table.” 

“Hrk.” 

“At least put it on a chair.” 

“Where’s your uncle?” 

“He said he had a meeting today. He’ll be late.” 

“Very well, then.” He pulled out a chair with a clatter and set the basket on it. The bundle of corn sat there proudly as if it were the guest of honor. He gave a grunt and nodded. 

In the meantime, she had been scurrying all over the kitchen. “Just a moment, okay? It’ll be ready soon.” 

“All right,” he said. He went over to his chair, placing his hand on the back. 

“Hm?” She glanced over her shoulder when he showed no sign of sitting down as he usually did. She found him standing next to the chair, silent. 

Hmm… Drying her hands on her apron, she left the fire and pattered up to his side. It’s usually best for me to coax it out of him when he gets like this. 

“What’s up?” She leaned forward, as if trying to glimpse his face under his helmet. 

That familiar helmet. It hid his expression, and yet, she had a good sense of what was under it now. 

“Mm.” He was silent for a moment before finally saying, “Nothing.” After another moment, he said, “Before we eat—” 

“Yes?” 

“—there’s something I want to give you.” 

Bit by bit the words left his mouth, and then he rifled through his item pouch. He produced the bag of gold coins he had been checking earlier. It jangled as he set it on the table. 

She blinked, surprised. “What’s this? I thought you already paid this month’s rent.” 

“It is not rent.” He spoke even more bluntly than usual. “Happy birthday.” 

“Oh!” She clapped her hands. He was right. She had been so busy, she’d completely forgotten about it. 

Tomorrow is my nineteenth birthday. 

“I didn’t know what to get you, so I thought this would be best,” he said, pushing the bag toward her. It might have been more trouble than it was worth to wrap it, but even so, it was in an exceptionally ordinary, undecorated leather pouch. And it was full of money . As a birthday present, it didn’t rank very high. 

“You know, you…” A number of expressions passed over Cow Girl’s face, all difficult to read. Should she be angry? Or upset? Or annoyed, or sad? Finally she settled on a bemused smile. “…are hopeless.” 

She hugged the pouch of gold coins to her chest the way a child might a new doll. 

“You act like you don’t know anything, and then just when I think maybe you do know a thing or two…it turns out you really don’t know anything.” 

“Erk…” 

“If you’re not sure what to get, take me along. We can choose something together.” 

That’s what I really want. 

He grunted softly at her words, then nodded his helmet up and down slowly. “…I understand.” 

“That answer doesn’t inspire confidence. I’ll thank you…once we’ve chosen my gift.” She giggled, realizing she was lecturing him, and patted him on the back. “I’ve got high hopes for the harvest festival, okay?” She was smiling. She didn’t sound like she was expecting much at all. 

So she didn’t take him too seriously when he said, “I will think about it.” 

“Sure, sure. Anyway, sit down. Dinner’s ready—let’s eat!” 

Then she placed her hands on his shoulders, made broad by his armor, and guided him into the chair. She headed back to the kitchen, but turned around as a thought crossed her mind. 

“Oh, yeah, I forgot something important.” She made sure to give him the brightest smile she could. “Welcome home!” 

“Thanks,” he nodded, quietly shifting in his chair. “I’m back.”