“I know I wouldn’t be,” he says without delay. Conscious of his tendencies to be quiet and reserved, as well as to dwell in worry, he would not be able to sleep at night were it limited to the three. Between them, they simply do not have enough data or resources.

“Even a dentist with a number might be reluctant to stick his hand in my mouth,” Benjiro speculates in jest with a smile in his words. Joking aside, he is relieved for the one boon brought by Mrs. Tilly and her daughter being swept into the chaos, “But I agree, and I can’t think of a better mannered doctor than her.” Benjiro knows her as a neighbor first, however, every visit to the Tilly household has always been pleasant despite the unfortunate circumstances of the computer issues.