Maple
 
 I have a day or two. How are things on your end?
 
 J
 
 Busy, but fun. P is preparing for some fancy pants exam, so he’s had his head in the books while we’ve been training.
 
 They were athletes. They had never gone into detail, but they spoke about training a lot so I knew it was a large part of their lives.
 
 Maple
 
 I have some exams soon, but they’re super low-stress so I can focus on work. Also, D—thank you for the gift card, you didn’t have to do that!
 
 D
 
 My pleasure. Do you have anyone around who can take care of you?
 
 Maple
 
 It’s just me, but I’m used to taking care of myself.
 
 J
 
 Ugh. I HATE that we can’t help.
 
 Maple
 
 Your sparkling conversation is helpful enough.
 
 J
 
 Liar.
 
 Maple
 
 *shrugs*
 
 S
 
 We’ve got a meeting we can’t avoid, but I don’t want to stop talking. You had us all worried.
 
 Maple
 
 Go and pay attention in your meeting, it’s probably important. I am going to go curl up in my nest and get a few more hours of sleep.
 
 S
 
 Can we join?
 
 Maple
 
 Down, boy.
 
 S
 
 You’re breaking my heart here.
 
 Maple