[ and he returns just as abruptly as he left, popping up right behind her. he reminds himself to be polite and say thank you -- but then he notices her watering and the notion flies out of his brain. ]

Oh, I didn't realize you were volunteering as well! I hope I wasn't interrupting.

[ the words fall out of his mouth very quickly, so that if one doesn't pay close attention, it's a bit difficult to tell when one word ends and the other begins. ]

It's a lovely day for planting flowers, don't you think? With the sun, and the water, they have everything they need to live!