"Yeah, he...needs fresh air. And I'm bein' a gentleman and makin' sure he's safe." He glances at Huaisang and holds his elbow as if he were supporting him while walking through the park.

"It's cold anyway, we can't stay out that long." Okuyasu adds a grin.

Ann-Loise and Ethel keep their hands clasped together, smiling, now looking directly at Okuyasu. The pause that follows gives him hope that they'll let them go, but-

"Oh, how lovely! What a kind young man!"

"Why don't we go with you? The street should be lovely with the snow and lights."

Okuyasu hadn't thought this far. "Wait-"

"Where do you plan to walk?" Ethel - or Ann-Louise, Okuyasu can't tell - smiles now at Huaisang.