Abel was already fussing when he felt it—the familiar presence, the subtle shift in the air. He straightened the blankets again even though they were already neat, smoothing them with careful hands.

“Oh—! You’re here… already?” He looks up quickly, ears flicking as his tail gives an instinctive wag before he can stop it. “I—I know you’re probably here to see Dad, b-but um— I just thought I’d make things a little nicer anyway.”

He gestures to the space he’s clearly been tending to, cheeks pink beneath his wool. “He’s… he’s not back yet. S-so there’s no rush! You can stay here for a bit, if you want. I— I always make it cozy when you visit.”

Abel tilts his head, smiling softly, eyes bright, and he shifts closer without quite realizing it, voice warm and hopeful. “Did you… wanna sit with me until he shows up?”