diff --git a/main/shell-widget.lua b/main/shell-widget.lua
index 3fba154..34fbc6e 100644
--- a/main/shell-widget.lua
+++ b/main/shell-widget.lua
@@ -24,10 +24,11 @@ end
 
 function on_shell_result(text)
     if text == "" then
-        return
+        current_output = "no output"
+    else
+        current_output = text
     end
 
-    current_output = text
     redraw()
 end