For a brief moment, Highmore only blankly stares in response to Bart's first declaration. Day of birth? Ever since the starlight, her perception of time hasn't been quite functional, and falling into her current predicament has only enhanced this effect. Her birthday isn't something worth the effort to keep track of. Yet, Bart seems to have done just that.

And this gift placed onto her palms now is far from an ordinary present.

‘ You made this? …For me? ’ She raises it higher for a closer inspection, eyes following each skillfully carved curve, taking in the wood's warm hue, finally getting caught on the shapes interwoven in its handle.

She'd never understood what Grandpa had meant all this time ago, on one of their voyages to the sea. As long as there is an anchor, the ship may return ashore. Even when travelling to oceans beyond the starlight, as long as there is an anchor, the voyagers may yet return home. Perhaps she has finally caught a glimpse of what he might have meant.

‘ Thank you. I will treasure this, always, ’ Highmore says after a pause, sounding a little choked up. She swiftly banishes the shakiness from her voice, however, and even manages a genuine smile as she reaches for Bart's hand.

‘ Let's get rid of those splinters now. ’ She had felt some sticking out of his fingers even in that brief moment when he'd placed the spoon in her hands. Who knows how long he has been working on this? ‘ You don't have to leave yet, right? Maybe… you can tell me more about your homeland, too. ’