The ground they're on is as steady as ever. Kate has a lot to think about now, but the remnants of a smile are still hanging around the corners of her mouth.

"I'm gonna haul that out first," she says, nodding toward the bag of feed. "Clean up a bit. But I'll be seein' you again."

Her voice rises on that last syllable, just enough to make it unclear whether or not she meant for it to be a question.