[ Erik waits through the silence with little to do but stare at the sculpture and occasionally glance at Rembrandt. The way he sees it, the guy is working through something and the quiet will do him some good.

But that answer surprises him. Awkwardly, he rubs his neck. ]

Scampering off instead of making a decision, huh? I won't say I've never done it, so maybe I'm not the right guy to talk you out of it. [ As light-hearted as he's trying to seem, there's a hint of sadness to his tone. ]

All I can say is... once you decide what you want, don't look back.