Some of the hardness on his face melts away, but it's accompanied by the thought have I been gone that long? Long enough for her to find a new Healer? It's not a thought that makes him happy. But he puts his hand over hers and does what she asks: "Hullo."

He would say more, but he can't at the moment; anything that might have come next sticks in his throat. A moment passes, then two, then three.

"I'm so sorry," he whispers. "Can we go home now?"