[But Al's brightened quite a bit, a smile coming to his face. He's still worried, but quite a bit more hopeful, now. Maybe things really will work out in other worlds.]

That's right. That's exactly right.

[Al breathes deeply, but puts a hand over his mouth to stop the chuckling.]

Well, what matters is that you're here now, and you're safe. This is the first time in a long time Ed's brought home a stray. Usually it's me... but you're welcome to stay as long as you want.

[Deal with it, Brother.]