Beverly does notice that shadow and there are not words for how much she appreciates what Merlin is doing for her. This silent support makes it easier for her to cope with what she's gone through and the memories that are being pulled up. It makes it easier for her to bear and want to talk about.

She trusts him and that says a lot.

Today's tea and biscuits are just what she needed. She's curled up in her corner of the Arboretum with the cup clutched between both hands, as though this is her lifeline of the day. To her credit, she has been eating the biscuits as well, just not as easily as drinking the tea.

Eventually, she lowers the cup and glances at one of the people who has helped her cope the most so far. "Thank you. This is... helping."