He saw the look, the concern and unknowing, and he understood that immediately. He'd left New York knowing few things, and when he'd gotten memories from back home, it had solved some mysteries and added more complications. So he got it, he understood. Some of his knowledge had stayed with him; there was no need to burden Billy with certain things. All he knew was that time moved differently in Darrow; Shroedinger's equation made infinite, they were at once in and outside of the times they'd left.

First he apologized, and then he typed out quickly, Could I give you a hug? If she didn't want one from a veritable stranger, he would understand. But she looked like she needed one.