[ Gray delays her answer as she watches Slow Dancer go to Johnny. Even though Gray is capable of conversing with her, Slow Dancer would never go so far as to admit she missed Johnny — so when the horse promptly gives him a lick right up the head, Gray finds herself suddenly choked up. After taking care of this unruly horse for five months and watching her reject person after person, it's quite moving to see her welcome Johnny back so warmly. By Slow Dancer standards.

Gray sniffs and wipes her eyes as she comes to a stop in front of Johnny, looking him over. He seems just as she remembers him, and she'll be much as he remembers her — save for the new blonde streak of hair above her left eye. ]

She's been staying with me, Mr. Eustace, and Mr. Dokja. When you disappeared, I suppose she didn't want to go to people she didn't know.

[ Gray genuinely doesn't know if Slow Dancer accepts anyone else Johnny knows. Even with Gray, "acceptance" may have been a strong word before. ]