[sylvanSpider]

Benjamin's face softened and once more he reached to wipe away one of April's tears, "It can't...it can't happen, April. I'm not a pet who exists to greet you when you get home and be left waiting any time your life beckoned you away. That empty home that you came home to...it trapped me. That empty home was all I knew for several decades. Not even days, but decades, April. Can you imagine that? I've...I've grown fond of you as well, but I simply must pass on."

Benjamin swallowed some saliva that had gathered at the back of his throat and looked down, "I know it's sad. They don't call it a tragedy for no reason," he stopped to chuckle before continuing, attempting to keep that look of mirth still alive in his blue eyes, "I saw what the tragedy did to the people I loved. That...that tragedy is going to continue until I can pass..."

He stopped to look around the room and grabbed a book from the top of one of the stacks, "It may take me a little bit because I'm going to see what the date is, and, unfortunately I have friends everywhere. Appearances are everything in this time period, and so long as I am part of it, I must adhere to those. I will move as quickly as I can, but I can't spurn anyone that sees me." He handed the book to her and grinned, "Here. It's my favorite novel of all time. Perhaps it can keep you entertained while I am out?" The novel in question was The Old Curiosity Shop by Charles Dickens. He'd loved it as it came out in installments so much that he purchased a novel version of it. "I know Dickens was a man of my time, but if any of his works survive, you should read them."

With that, he turned to go, casting a look back before he went, offering her one last smile before he went on the small quest he'd been tasked with.