"You are more than welcome, Ilya!" Dolemeck smiled, amazed at how much Ilya had relaxed. he no longer looked skittish to stressed, but genuinely happy and calm. "As Topher said, you are now amongst many friends. No one will judge you, and we will help you if you ask."

He then looked up at Topher.

"Hey! Why won't we all get something to eat? I am a bit famished from studying so much." He grinned a little. "We could show Ilya the kitchen, and perhaps grab a bite of that chicken pot pie Hana is making. When I passed by earlier, it smelled like heaven!"