"You're welcome. Thanks for letting me come." She paused, giving Willow a lopsided grin. "I'd have come even if you hadn't, but having permission made it easier."

That was what friends were for. They were there, even when they weren't wanted and even when it wasn't easy.

"Try not to spend too long thinking about something that might not happen. The hamsters give us enough to worry about without us giving them ideas."