Mathias nods, looking down at the book for a moment, trying to sort out his thoughts. He knows he could easily tell her he feels he needs more room for the dogs and she would likely believe him, which would give him time to sort out all the details he's been considering for the past several weeks. On the other hand, maybe Henrich was right, at least some of the time. Maybe, in a situation like this, it's best not to think about it too much.

"I know," he says. "I was thinking... I was hoping if I had extra room, you might consider moving into the hut with me. And Sam, of course." And the dogs, but he leaves that unsaid. The more he thinks about it, the more an expansion seems necessary if she agrees.