Yet again, he finds himself causing more grief than he can comfort. He's not surprised. Or, at least, he shouldn't be. Disappointing people is clearly what he does. Second to dreamwalking, naturally.

That doesn't make leaving her here alone any easier. He knows those smiles are hollow. He knows the lifelessness of a feigned expression. He knows what's underneath it all.

"Maybe I can call someone else for you," he offers gently. "I'd hate for you to be on your own. It doesn't seem right."