[He doesn't hug back this time, Sayo. Doesn't cry, or move, but hides away in the cocoon of numbness that is his last defense. He stares out from inside it, drawing out the hardest truths first.
He's not here.
He went back to die -- or worse.
And after how far we came, too.
But you knew this was gonna happen eventually.
It's easier to handle this way, without the bite of feeling breaking him in half. Not yet. He just wants a little more time. Write out the reality of this Luceti. Do what he can. Prepare for the rest.
Exhale. He lets go of the breath he didn't know he was holding, and eventually places a hand on the back of Sayo's head.]
[Action]
He's not here.
He went back to die -- or worse.
And after how far we came, too.
But you knew this was gonna happen eventually.
It's easier to handle this way, without the bite of feeling breaking him in half. Not yet. He just wants a little more time. Write out the reality of this Luceti. Do what he can. Prepare for the rest.
Exhale. He lets go of the breath he didn't know he was holding, and eventually places a hand on the back of Sayo's head.]
... Thank you.