He catches her. An ordinary human might have been bowled over, but Reisi has no difficulty holding his ground as he folds his arms around her. Her joy is infectious, and Reisi laughs. (It is a gift to see Alsielle so effusive!)

“And I am so glad to see you!”

I MISS YOU TOO!!!

Reisi steps around the corner of his desk, peers down at his chair, and steps back.

Perhaps it would be better this morning to start with a tea break, rather than get into work right away. It’ll be relaxing. If needed, he can always pick up his laptop and sit with it in his tearoom, after all.

Reisi may try to emulate Simon’s stoic greeting, returning the nod, but there’s no hiding the warmth of his accompanying smile.

He’s delighted to see Simon again, and dressed so festively for the season, too!

Ah. You.

I should have known who would make our first meeting a combative one after such an absence.

Ah, well. To hope that one’s absence has made hearts grow fonder, is, perhaps, a tall order, depending on the homecoming.