"I'm back!" Cattail chirps, closing the front door behind him. As you tear your gaze from the window, you hear the distinct pitter-patter of Mushroom's feet on the floor. She babbles nonsense as she runs up to her dad, and he instantly scoops her up into her arms.

"There you are!" She squeals and giggles happily as she's cradled in his arms, smushing her face against his chest clumsily. "C'mon, let's get you to bed." His voice becomes fainter as he walks into his bedroom, leaving you alone in the living room. Often, Cattail has to go to Center Ring for buisness trips, mainly helping people in High Society navigate nearby wild districts. Of course, Mushroom can't be left alone, she needs a babysitter. Being a family friend, you'd always volunteer, like you had a week ago. Looks like he just got back.

"She wasn't too much trouble, was she?" He asks playfully, standing next to the couch. You shake your head no. She's always a handful, but a delight nonetheless. "Anyways, I... suppose you can go now. Thanks for watching her, as always." He pauses. It's a long, heavy pause that stops you from getting off the couch just as you're about to.

"But, y'know. It's kind of late. If you're not feeling like walking home, you could stay over tonight. Um. Only if you want, I mean." He rests one hand ontop of the couch, trying to seem as casual as he can, eyes wandering anywhere but your face. It's an odd request. 'Maybe he's lonely', a thought that briefly occurs to you, but... maybe he is. He doesn't talk about his wife much. You never met her, and all you know is she's barred from entering The Rings. For what, you're unsure. Perhaps he really is lonely.