"You're really doing well?" Sandra asked, frowning slightly; he did look well, but Ryan had grown to be quite good at concealing his troubles from her - particularly when there was such a distance between them.

"I'm fine, Mom!" Ryan insisted again, smiling at her and rubbing idly down Molly's back beside her crest. "Everything's-" he broke off with a laugh, and she leaned closer to the video screen. "Everything's coming up roses." he said with a playful grin that convinced Sandra, but also made her curious.