He laughed softly, trying to put her more at ease. She'd managed to unfurl herself from the tight ball of a person she'd turned herself into, but that didn't change the stiff way she held herself, as if fighting a war within. "I guess that's one way to see it. It's not as if I want to burn anything down. And I imagine magic school was something, though I don't remember many of the lessons. Would somewhat help if I could, I think. I feel like I'm on a very open-ended search."

She wasn't looking all that much better, but at least she seemed to be pulling the pieces back together. With what he hoped was a polite blend of support and distance (he was a relative stranger, after all), he put a hand on her shoulder. He wished he had tissues to offer, but he came woefully unprepared.

"But all this talk of custard has me thinking about dessert. There's a lovely bakery attached to the library downstairs." Who didn't like sweets? Or coffee or tea? He was sure he could find her something appealing to eat that might help with what has overcome her. "I know we just got here, but shall we call it a day? Or at least take a little break?" And, since she seemed to be fighting herself right now, he added, "And if it's too much to answer that, or to talk at all, you don't need to answer with words. But sometimes a little treat and some sunshine will do a world of good."

And maybe stepping away from all this Different research will provide an ounce of escape for a moment.