Better? [He couldn't help himself. The idea that this Maria could never see the Shadow that belongs with her? With how much love he felt when she would talk about him, them together. Leaving him with her like this...the hand resting on Maria's back, clenches slightly.

He has inkling where it stems from. This one, has done terrible things as well. More than he has for certain, just from how they behave, what he had picked up from that cat. Even so, if his own Maria were here, he has feeling he be in the same position the other is in right now.] . . .Fine. Run away then, if you think it'll be better. But leaving me with her isn't the going to be the solution you're hoping for.

["He felt as if he failed me. But I never thought of it that way. I love him because of who he is. What he can or can't do doesn't matter to me."] Because I will never truly be the cure for her sadness. That's something only you can do for her.