[Shylah trots along but she's never far from Easter, her tail wagging happily at the closeness. James grimaces just a little, and hides it quickly, because he doesn't want her to know how bad it was.]

It's been better, [he admits, and shrugs.] And worse. So I suppose I can't complain.

[Shylah's not letting him off that easy.] He's not going to be able to shave that horrible beard off.