[ As much as he'd like to surrender himself into the gentle ache at the grip in his hair, the conversation's turned. He turns his head instead, nose to the inside of Kaveh's wrist, enjoying the way his skin smells there, lips brushing against where the thin spiderweb of veins stains just dark enough to see. His eyes do not open. ]

I understand enough about the shape of it, I think. I understand that if they return to their city, it will be the end.

[ Quiet, even, but not without passion. Sad, but lacking hatred. He loves Miss Angela too. He understands what loneliness is, and what it isn't. ]

I don't want them to be alone. Perhaps I've kept others company professionally for too long, but if there's even a possibility that they might feel lonely...

[ He knows there's only so much he can do, but he feels like there must be more. Something else on top of something else until there are only reasons to smile.

(People must smile. Even if it's at his own expense. Even if they're relieved to see him gone...) ]