"I've lived my entire life up to now with Vex beside me," he tried to explain. "I didn't know what to do with myself, without her."

But that was bordering maudlin, maybe, and it wasn't the case now anyway. "You should accept all of her stories about how awesome I am as completely true, and anything embarrassing... Also true," he quipped. "And if you want to make a good impression, start with telling her how wonderful Trinket is."