"I don't know if it's the right thing to say, but I'm sorry for your death?" Your loss? Of yourself? Bashir doesn't really know how to convey that he's glad Gerry is here, alive, and well, but hopefully the sentiment comes through.

"Family is a strange thing. I suspect that's an understatement for quite a few of us LIErs." As Gerry sets out mugs, Bashir thinks of his own parents and pushes that aside. "My aunt used to leave food outside for the strays. There was some talk about how it wasn't a very 'modern' idea, but it was part of who we were. If there is a town, there should be some cats about, and it's a noble act to be kind to them."