Adrien held his breath a little. He realized that this was a sore point for Val, and felt regretful that he'd touched this topic so carelessly.

Val looked up at Adrien, smiling sadly. "It's true. I hardly meet with my colleagues, or anyone else. I'm alone most of the time".

"What about your friends?", Adrien blurted out.

"My dear friend travels the world, and only visits once in a while. He is very... unique. He goes where he pleases, and you never know where he will be next", Val said with a fond smile. "We keep in contact through letters".

"At least that, that's good", Adrien smiled. "And your family?".

Val froze; and Adrien realized that he should have not asked that question. "I'm -- I'm sorry", he stumbled. "I'm so sorry, I didn't think --".

"It's alright", Val smiled, soothing. "It's alright".