Right on cue, it seems, Tina rolls her eyes. Well, he can’t blame her for that; truly, it’s a miracle she wants to accompany him anywhere at all, given the danger he unintentionally courts every time he decides to make a venture of his day. He bites back a smile at the sight, already one of his favorite things about Tina.

“I like all times of year, really, but I am especially fond of summer,” he says. “I like the warmth, and the length of days.”

He considers her a moment before asking a question of his own. “And what about you? What is your favorite time of year?”