[And pets he will get, Ilsa setting the shears down carefully atop the fence so that she can reach over with both hands to give him scratches and rubs behind the ears. What a friendly dog... Though, she does wonder if the reason he's so familiar and easy with her now is because he knows her from home? The flowers that she had given him before isn't even a thought that crosses her mind.

Fortunately, Valo serves as an excellent distraction, and she coos at him until Eustace's voice interrupts her.

Straightening, much to Valo's dismay, Ilsa only briefly looks to him before regarding the garden.]

I've been applying techniques I learned from a neighbour about keeping the plants and flowers healthy. [Said in such a professional manner one would think they were talking business rather than trying to make small talk.] I still have a long way to go before it's finished. [A sigh.] But with nothing but time here, I thought I might as well.

[ ...

She's about ready to stop the conversation there, and there's a tone of finality to her voice.

.....

......

But she can't bring herself to do it.]

... How about yours?