Krem watched Dorian carefully, quietly, as the older man's face worked through the myriad thoughts that he didn't voice. Even if he had, Krem would have had little to offer. He almost regretted that.

"There's hot and cold communal baths," he said, "and saunas. I'll take care of your things and make sure they're dry and back here as quickly as I can. And keep the robots away."

That was the real task, if he was honest. Other workers would be mostly respectful, but the robots had a tendency to be a little too nosy about things.

He reached out and grasped Dorian's arm, gentle but familiar. He gave him a little squeeze. Nothing was good here, but there were small things: familiar faces and moments that weren't so bad. And this. "It's good to see you, Dorian. I mean that. And he will mean it too."