Charlette explained the reason behind her impromptu return home being about her father.  Of course, that only reminded him of his equally aging parents.  Everyone seemed to have to face that turnaround of who takes care of whom eventually.  Paul knew exactly where she was coming from.<br/><br/>Still seated on the stool, she had spun it in order to face him.  Charlette’s update about her dad was short and sweet.  He attributed this to the probable wear and tear on her experiences while at home.<br/><br/>Instead, her arms found their way around his waist and she managed a squeeze.  Paul placed the coffee mug on the bar counter behind her and with both hands, stroked her back in circular motions.  No words of reassurance sprang to mind, so he kept quiet for now, thinking she didn’t feel like talking about it anymore.