[ The flattery gets a soft laugh, Sophia offering both hands to her friend in welcome. All the better to draw him over to the bench to join her, in fact, even as she shakes her head at him. There is at least a little shade overhead, crystal boughs clinking in the wind. ]

I see some things never change. [and she's glad of it, even if she feigns some exasperation in the moment.] Though I have no doubt you say so to many of your friends when the moment strikes.

...It's been too long. I am sorry I haven't called on you more often lately. [her expression softens] How are you?