[ empathy is a strange emotion. the release that comes with seeing someone like him, someone so dear and precious to her, weep like this before her hits angela like a bat to the face. her other hand comes up to cup his cheek, to let his tears rain down over her metacarpus like baptism waters. her amygdala shudders. she's almost afraid to hold him too close, to listen to his voice. as if this were a confessional, she speaks again, eyes watery and gaze misty as his face, hollow and empty, swirls and blurs like melting watercolors before her. ]

It's been thirteen years... a human mind doesn't remember as well, but it's almost to the day now, isn't it? [ another beat passes, an echoing sort of silence full of absolutely nothing but them two in their aging agony and grief. ] Roland. I'm sorry, too.

[ she is silent for a moment longer before blinking and looking away, down, ashamed. ] Even though my wish came true... the first thing I ever felt as a human was regret. This body lacks meaning without the person who fought with me by my side.

[ a sparkling resolve lights up her face for just a moment, her voice quick and cutting. ] I've seen enough.

[ she pauses a moment, her taloned fingers flexing on his cheeks, watching him sob. ]

...because I am certain you will never leave me.