A vacation. Something familiar. Ah, he thinks he’s getting it, maybe. Incrementally his shoulders begin to relax.

A light laugh. “You had plenty to stress about, no doubt. Of all the ways to die I’d argue it’s one of the more honorable ones.” And not, you know, being on a boat that exploded into the void.

“There’s a strong interfaith presence here, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. It’s been such an honor servicing a community as colorful as this one. This potluck is a celebration of how many people have arrived from all corners of the universe to help this little town thrive.”

And if he’s scanning Aldo’s face very carefully after saying that, well, that’s his own business.