Darcy had really, genuinely had a wonderful day. It was exciting enough just being a zoo, but it had been made all the better seeing his sister really, genuinely enjoy herself. She'd missed out on so much of a childhood, and he knew that there hadn't been much room for fun in their lives since their father's death. It had been five years, and yet that playfulness had never fully managed to return. There had been moments, of course, but not like this. This was a full day of fun, and he just loved to see her start to relax and really enjoy herself.
And then there had been Ashley, patiently explaining and answering so many of their questions, but he could see that it wasn't a burden to her. She was equally joyful, smiling and happy. He was glad for this vacation. Her life had been full of ups and downs lately, and he was keen to add some more weight to the positive side of things, and to see her without that hint of sadness on her for the day. Distance was good.
He was dressed in one of the outfits she had picked out for him - clearly too formal for the zoo, he ascertained by looking at the other tourists, but a compromise. He felt comfortable enough, and no one thought he was in costume.
"It was wonderful," he agreed, in all honesty. "A giraffe is the most ridiculous creature I have ever seen," he told her, with a genuine smile of amusement.