[Hector nods. He understands those feelings intimately. He'd lived as a hermit for a few years. It had been the safest option for him.]

Animals are the same. They have predictable, logical responses and they don't judge you, except by whether or not you have food for them.

[He takes a look in the box and examines one of the toys.]

Ah, these should keep the two of them occupied for a while. I bet you could adapt them for other pets and sell them.