[ He notices all the signs of awkwardness and uncertainty. He's been in that situation for far too long when he was younger, it's something that's never quite left his memory. In his own home he'd try to be as inconspicuous as possible, but the reasons were different. He gives her a sad nod a small smile on his face. ]

Oh, yes, a good few people have. But...it never gets any easier I don't think. You grow so accustomed to a person's presence here and when they're gone...it just lingers a little bit more. I'm sorry that you had to experience it too. But-but the support people offer here has made it easier in the past.

[ He'll set out two plates and a tray of nice freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. The heat from the oven still wafting off them as he puts them on the table. The teapot will whistle then and he'll move to go and set up the tea. ]