Broken Boulder there’s an old voice in my head that’s holding me back

Alarian tried not to show his surprise at the girl's sudden appearance. Had it been anyone else, his heart might have dropped into his stomach then-- but it was Lily. She had no complicated feelings attached to her, and she was friendly. Nice. He liked her, though they had not spoken so much lately. He supposed that was his fault.
The boy dipped his head in greeting, tail wagging. Yeah. I don't mind.
He gestured forward with his muzzle and led her on, stopping to mark here and there. It wasn't long before he spoke up again, though. How are you? Are things-- is it better now that we have a home?