He agrees to the introduction, and evades as many of the significant details about Sharon's past as he can, and sorts the beads under Ayemi's sharp eye. Eventually she turns to telling stories of her children and grandchildren, their mischief and travels and trade.

It's soothing, he finds, even if he's not sure exactly why. The quiet rhythm of the beads clattering into their baskets is peaceful, and the sense of accomplishment from helping to create something useful is ... nice.