Their time apart had given him a chance to sit back and collect his thoughts. Achilles had never wished for his mother to be unhappy, or to give up her future because she was close to his heels. However, he had become accustomed to that, but her sternness with him had unsettled him enough to seek out the help he had promised her in the beginning.
He looked peaceful sitting there, unmoving, like an ancient statue. As she approached, that familiar sting hit his stomach. He took off the wool hat, so she could see his eyes as he greeted her softly.
"It is a pleasant day," he announced as she took a seat. He gave her a soft smile, proof to her without words that he was in a more comfortable mood than when they last spoke.