[john doesn't know much about commonplace or what's expected of him in this sense so it does come from the heart. it comes because he really means it. he stays close even as she looks down at the counter in between them, and he doesn't say anything else, but he can tell even without her saying that chicago meant a lot to her.

it was a home that she had to lose after another one. and there's something that strikes a chord in him at the sight of that small, flimsy smile on her face, how it doesn't quite reach her eyes.] It sounds like you are well experienced, and it might mean you're better at figuring this place out than someone that doesn't have that.

[there's a tiny smile before he shakes his head.] I would hate that. Not traveling, but... having everything ripped away like that. Where are you-- Where do you go to when you head through that door?

[because it's-- he hopes that that last rift didn't take her to this in between place.]