We'll call worthless sentiment the last-ditch plan, then.

[ He drums his fingers again, then stills. When he regards Asriel this time, it's slow and thoughtful. Possibly ominous. ]

This one isn't routine, not as far as I've heard, but there have been a few cured by touch. It's never just contact. [ Their keepers draw intimacy from Sleepers like blood, whether they crack him into telling a story or cuddling Corruption away. ] It's always in the pursuit of some storybook gesture, some poetic irony.

[ He turns his hand over on the table, palm up, and holds it out in offer. God looks Asriel dead in the eye and asks to hold his hand. ]

Nearly February, right? Season of bonds between people.