[It makes sense. Nadine had wondered, idly. It was impossible not to, considering their first meeting in the Horizon.

Knowing him now, fully themselves, she doesn't really consider him any less The Burdened Man. But she'd remembered the girl. And what he'd said about her.]

The one you had to look after.

[It's not a question, as her hands finish on one rend and move to another. He'd said as much, that first time. It's something she understands.]

I'm sorry. I know how it feels. I think I'd do almost anything to see Joe again. To tell him how sorry I am that I had to leave him.