It's a serious matter, and though Thor feels like he's spent days upon weeks doing little but reflecting on his failures and his feelings already, he can't help but keep doing it. Does he feel comforted by these little lives entrusted to him, a new responsibility on top of those he already knew, knowing that they may last as long as he does? "I think so," he says slowly, thoughtfully. "They're... a part of Asgard, a part of my family, sort of. It'll be good not to be alone."

And that's a big part of it, he feels, though he may not consciously realize. Friends and visitors are well enough, and their support got him through the darkest days he'd ever known. But eventually they have to go back to their lives, even if only for the night, and then the house grows quiet and there is no one else there. Not to talk to, exactly, just... exist.

Thor has spent his entire life surrounded by people, his family at the royal palace, or the Avengers in their tower. He had made his home in the midst of a crowd, drawing strength from their presence, just knowing that he was not alone. He's learned to love the little lighthouse keeper's cottage, but when the door is closed and the night settles in, it's so easy to fall into his own thoughts, and that is often not a pleasant place to be without a drink to keep the worst at bay.