[She rubbed the back of her neck underneath her hair. This? This could be a troublesome kid if she took the time to do this. Ai's relatively quiet life would be turned upside down with a child like this.]

So you did. [Which is exactly while there's actual warmth in the small smile she gives.] That wasn't a bad idea, honestly. Third parties always makes things awkward.

[She steps aside.] Of course you can.

[It's not a big house by any stretch. Even with savings and some reluctant help from her family, Ai's jobs couldn't afford that. It was, though, big enough to fulfill the foster requirements. Two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, a living room with the small kitchen attached...Nothing too fancy.

The front door opened onto the living room. It's clean, at least, with a tiny heater in the corner. Some scattered pictures of old acquaintances and some star students on a side table. The most unusual thing, though, is a piano in a space that clearly was built for a bookshelf.]

Take a seat. Do you want something to drink?