"I have never been one for pets, really," he answers casually. "Too busy, so much travel... it wouldn't have been very fair. I imagine my son may have changed that, eventually. It was hard to say no to him..."

And children always reach a point where they're insistent on pets and swear that they could absolutely care for them. He supposes that won't be a concern anymore...

There's a bit of a sigh, and then a short chuckle. "I never considered old age, if I am honest. It had seemed far away, and now--"

Well, he hadn't planned on living so long. But here he is, only growing older. "I suppose it has its merits when you want to be left alone. I'm more accustomed to life in bustling cities though. I'm not certain I would know what to do with the quiet."