I disagree. [ her tone matches his in lightness — and yet, she means it fully. he is not a poor conversational partner... merely, she suspects he is so used to hiding parts of himself it is like second nature. but then, one often shies away from that which is painful... and he may not have spoken of it, but anyone who speaks so little of his past must find it painful beyond belief. ]

It is not a burden — not when it is taken willingly. [ a frown mars her features for a moment. ] You are not alone, Ben. And I am not weak. [ she can support him — she wants to support him. ]

If I were to ask you what it is you lost, would you tell me?