[ This cracks open some bright surprise in him: John Gaius laughs, startled and soft. ]

Yeah. You know, yeah, neither could I.

[ It's not that this guy understands the situation, not in its hideous and layered complexity— but the broadest strokes, the gesture of sympathy? He can appreciate what's being offered, there. ]

And yet here I am, surrounded by the echo of familiarity... like a funhouse mirror... and she couldn't stay longer than a day.