He laughs, then, and it's a laugh that is as real and honest as his easy smile. "That would be far too long a story." With careful but unhesitating movements he gets up to stand, balancing on that sturdy branch with a hand against the trunk for support. "Some other time."

He stands there, watching her. A sharp snap of a twig further away draws her attention for just a couple of seconds, and when she looks back he's no longer there, nowhere to be seen.