Oh, I'm well. I'm usually well enough.

[as long as Vern is all right, anyway. he notes the lightness but doesn't remark on it, just keeping his face where it is and breathing Julius is. he likes the petting.

penitently:]

Sorry. I was too grumpy to talk much when we were together last, then all this happened...

[it would have been sad if the last time they'd seen each other, they hadn't really been able to talk.]

What about you?