[He should have seen that one coming also but... he had to try.

He smiles with some defeat. Okay, okay...]

Then you are more than welcomed to accompany me now. I had intended to make a trip there before I feel asleep. It is not far.

[Her help would be appreciated, of course, but... so would her company too. Together he believes they can do some good then even if they cannot completely solve it.

Or if nothing else they can definitely gather more leaves than he could alone.]