The mention that there is supposed to be fewer people around does help Nita relax slightly. Nita's not suddenly looking about more wildly or anything, but she's less stiff.

This is more like swimming with people around; she can handle this - is what she starts telling herself.

"That does sound nice..."

It also occurs to her that maybe the tree would remember some of those it used to watch over.

Ever the researcher, this one.