She looks older. Older than would be explained by his absence of a couple of months. But she's Ellie, so he can't bring himself to care or worry about that, at least not right now. Between him and Ellie, they can figure out how to get back to Jackson. That's what matters.

So he smiles, a little uncertain, but still. A smile. The first real smile he's cracked since his arrival here.

"Hey, kiddo, you just get here?"

That's about all he can think of to say.