"I thought it might help me calm my mind, think some things through. It's a change from what I normally do, which I thought might help some things to," he shrugged in turn, because that was as honest an answer as he could give.

But the joke she did not make would not have been entirely inaccurate. He was a little at a loss for what to do with himself, which had been a reason for his taking on his teaching courses.

"It seemed worth a try, at any rate, if a now unsuccessful one."

He tilted his head at her.

"What brings you out so early?"