Helen is quite glad to see that smile on his face. It seems rare to her, something to be treasured and never taken for granted. She vows to enjoy it as long as she can and oh how sorry she is to bring their moment of laughter to an abrupt halt, as she knows it will be once she explains. Taking a deep breath, she sits deep in the saddle and slows her horse to a walk. This will be touchy at best. She doesn't know how he'll take it.
"You can imagine, knowing me by now, that I'm the type to keep up with the passage of time. I like to know exactly what day it is here and what day it should be for me were I at home." It's a control thing. "Today would be December 2nd. Day 259 will be December 8th for me." She should recall if she's told him the significance of that date or not, but she can't quite, so she opts to clarify. "Ashley's birthday. I don't know if you plan your days out so far in advance and I was hoping... you might be willing to spend at least some of that time with me. I realize it's a lot to ask and I wouldn't ask it of you if it weren't important. I've spent that day alone for the last 113 years. I don't think I can bear to make it 114."