"Okay," says Simonides sheepishly, peering at Beth with big dark eyes.

"We've been okay," says Bee, the 'we' coming naturally enough that she doesn't even notice. "Trying to keep my head down like usual. Just keeping the bees." She smiles softly up at him. She knows he's been a little troubled recently, though she hasn't heard much from him lately. "Are you okay?"