Malachi was quick to smile in return, pleased to see that both Edmund and Mable seemed in well enough spirits. Whatever their true reasons for leaving the states, he knew it must have been more of an ordeal to get here than any child needed to deal with, and while he could not fix any past troubles they might’ve had along the way… well, he had to start somewhere.

Making sure that they were safe from the elements and from all the other dangers of the street could be that start. For tonight, at least.

If he tried to help any more right now, he suspected Edmund wouldn’t let him.

So he dipped his head, offering a wave of his own.

“I always am,” Malachi lied, his smile verging on something sly before it softened at the edges.

“I’ll come by soon, then. Peace be with you both.”

He waited until Edmund and Mable had passed through the doors, if only to make sure that they actually did go in, but he did not linger after that.

Back to the church it was.