"It is real, all of it. Everything you tried so hard for. The kindness you showed others, including me. When you do stuff you don't have to, when I wouldn't like you any less if you didn't. When you promised to protect us without hesitation. When you kissed my tears away. What was going through your mind then, huh?! You've already changed."

It’s not yelling, but his voice is emphatic. Tears stream from his eyes in rivers as his ruined eyes widen. He sticks his hand out, palm up.

"I'm not leaving you."