Ed, of course, knows that Laura has lost people. He hadn't forgotten their conversation, the topic on which they could probably relate to each other the most. At the question he can't help but smile, of all the things for her to be concerned about - but of course she was.

"I will. Which is why I want to make sure you're safe too, while I'm gone." He's not going to pretend with her, although the implication was that he was leaving Riverview he hadn't outright said as much. Just that he had to go take care of some things and that he'd be back eventually, sooner rather than later. It was easier for everyone to believe that he was leaving, he'd lied to a few people to make this work but with her it was more omission than anything else.

"That note is proof that those spaces are your's, if anyone tries to give you trouble." He doesn't think anyone will, but he knew how to cover his bases. "I'll be back before you know it, okay?"