"That's what happens to little'uns, sir," she says, tone still gentle as she subtly guides him toward the elevator. "They grow up. How long's it been?" It must be a very long time, indeed for him since he was Ellie.

Why, though? Perhaps he'd got lost from her? Or he'd gone away to war? That can take mothers and fathers away for years at a time. If they ever come back from it.

"I missed you." It's tentative. She's not sure quite how much to play into this, but it can't hurt to give him some comfort.