“Stay,” Arthur called weakly as Astrid turned to the door following their usual drop-off routine. “I mean... Would you like to stay? Just for a little while.” A hopeful, if somewhat sad smile rested on his face. “I have purchased a few films for the Smudge,” he continued, “and I was thinking of ordering pizza.” Even with the little one and the dog, his big house had seemed so empty lately. Every moment of silence was a moment to think: something he’d been too happy in the months before to bother trying. But now it was there, even when he didn’t want it. His heart craved distraction. A soul at his side, to remind him not all was lost.