Three days spent as a seven-year-old does weird things to a person and immediately aging back up to an adult in a matter of seconds is no less disorienting. Especially because the memories of those days are muddled and confusing and thinking about it too hard gives him a headache.

Which is why Simon takes a run, heading outside to clear his head in the brisk winter air that now seems to be Wonderland's default for the festive season. Not that he minds. It helps. And for a little while, it's almost like he can close his eyes and pretend he's home again. Well. Home before everything went bottoms up, at least. Although he really is glad to not be stuck at seven anymore. Or have to relive being a teenager. That would have sucked.

While running past the woods, he hears a familiar bark and slows down, then stops as Jormy rushes out of the trees to greet him excitedly, trailing his leash behind him as he leaps and jumps around Simon's feet. Confused but laughing, Simon crouches down to calm the dog, petting him as he squirms and wriggles and tries to jump up to deliver his brand of puppy kisses.

"Yes, yes, I missed you too, calm down, calm down. What are you doing out here? Did you abandon Jo somewhere in the woods? Some fierce protector you are."