“It’s okay to stay, you know.”
“ If you’re certain I won’t be in the way, I would like that. Thank you... “ He appreciates the gentle welcome, given that he’s never certain of his steps, never certain where there might be a wall or boundary that he cannot breach.
But the animals welcome him. Perhaps they sense his intentions, his heart. Perhaps they know he is closer to them than vile humanity. ( He passes among them and eventually sprawls over the floor with a group of animals to keep them company. )