Pip's Secret Worry

Professor Pip fiddled with a loose wire, his brow furrowed in a way that Lily knew meant he was thinking very hard, or perhaps, very worriedly. They were back in the workshop, the hum of the time machine a comforting, familiar sound after their medieval escapade. Sunlight streamed through the dusty windows, illuminating motes of dust dancing in the air, much like Flikker’s cap had danced in the great hall. Lily, perched on a stool, watched her uncle, a half-eaten biscuit forgotten in her hand.

"You know, Uncle Pip," she began, her voice soft, "Sir Reginald was much happier when Flikker came back. And it was all thanks to us."

Pip sighed, a sound that seemed too heavy for his usually buoyant frame. He finally looked at Lily, his bright eyes clouded with something she hadn't seen before. "That's true, Lily-bud. It was a rather… happy outcome." He paused, then, as if the words were a reluctant guest, added, "But sometimes I wonder, Lily. I wonder if it's all just… frivolous."