"Still," he says seriously. "You thought of it and you offered. That's important to me."

Maybe the day will come when people showing him kindness is just something he's used to and accepts without any special thanks or questions. But still, even now, kindness is special. He hopes it always will be.

"A hot...toddy," he repeats uncertainly, then, "Wait, buttered rum? I hope that doesn't involve melting butter into rum."

He was made in America, that wouldn't totally surprise him.