"I know, Mingjue. You're the most honest person I've ever known and that's one of the things I've always loved most about you. I don't..." He pauses, takes a slow breath. "I don't mind you didn't say anything. I know why." But that hadn't eased the ache and loss when he was there and Mingjue was gone.

"I think it's just going to take time for me to trust you won't vanish on me here." His eyes close for a moment.