Vilenius seemed to consider this, albeit briefly. He looked like he was chewing on the inside of his cheek in thought before he finally nodded. “Later,” he agreed. He was interested, even if his face had soured at the idea of a hundred days.

“You can write to me before then. If you are so inclined.” He shrugged and made no commitment to write back, but she’d given him plenty to think about.

He wondered if the lilies on his homeworld were any healthier in his absence, but they were withered and dry and barren. If he didn’t go, he could pretend they were alive and well. If he did, he could be proven wrong.

“I will think about these plants.” He’d made up his mind. “Destiny City has indoor gardens. I’ll go visit them while I wait.” He’d see how nice these flowers were. Maybe.

His mind was set and he nodded firmly. There was little more to say but a decisive, “Goodnight.”

stari_maga