[ Claire laughs softly, and there's some sparkle of good humor there. She likes Claude as much as she likes Hilda, and tries to come up with a title. ]

I suppose you could call me a wise woman. Which still implies old but it sounds better.

[ Her features soften though, wondering how it is someone so young can be so wise. In her experience, it comes from aging too quickly, but she would never assume. ]

Thank you, Claude. I need the reminder just as much as anyone else. Admittedly, I don't know what to think, or if I truly want to know much, but you're right in that it's still a gift to be known.

[ She has the strong urge to hug him, but instead finishes her tea. ]

Did you say the others don't like your favorite tea? Because I find myself enjoying it. There's something about it that's comforting, I can't quite put my finger on it.