Cecilly had brought his water, and some for herself.  It was cold even without ice in it, but she'd put a few cubes in to keep it that way.  She took a drink and chuckled as her unexpected guest pulled the feathery toy across the floor, with the cat trying to catch it.  "I imagine he thought he might get an extra treat or something.  Every so often he tries to insist I haven't fed him on a day I know I have.  Silly cat."  Her smile widened.  "I rescued Freddie a few years ago.  I don't know if he was abandoned or what, but he is surprisingly fond of people.  Other animals, not so much."  She stretched out her feet, tilting the recliner back for a moment so she didnt kick the coffee table.  "So, your first time in Chicago?  If you like culture, you're in for a treat.  The Art Institute is one of my favorite places.  And of course you'll have to visit the Sears Tower, and Navy Pier.  I understand the view from the Ferris wheel there is amazing."  She'd never been able to appreciate either herself, of course, but if the young lady minded she kept it well hidden.

The apartment was starting to smell like food, namely pasta sauce.  The woman paused to take a deep breath, but she didn't smell any burning, and the oven timer had yet to go off, so she ignored it for the moment.  It probably wouldn't be ready for at least another quarter hour.  As she talked, she was keeping track of Axel's disposition.  She thought she could still pick up the faint undercurrent of a troubled mind, but he seemed to be relaxing, and she didn't think his smile was faked.  "I might be able to suggest a few other places, but it'd help if you told me a little of what you enjoy."  Another subtle nudge for him to open up.  Despite Cecilly's warm disposition she was genuinely concerned about him.  Perhaps the current episode had passed, but it was rarely a single episode.