[They sure aren't, and he sure hopes they don't squander it because they're panicking and have no idea how to utilize it properly! Haha.

But now isn't the time for pessimism or those sorts of concerns. He knows how much it takes out of someone to talk about the things that make you itch in your core. He understands the vulnerability she's showing him. Reaching out, he gently places a hand against her arm. Not for long, since he's sure she's just as discomforted by tactile gestures as she is prickly about emotional ones - but long enough that he hopes he can convey his gratitude and reassurance through it.]

It's a hard thing, to look at situations like this and believe there's hope when you've been shown that things are hopeless before. [There's a softness to those words, and to the smile he gives her.] There's a lot of strength in being able to recognize that. Deciding you don't want to keep thinking that way isn't always easy, but sometimes it's the best thing for you.

[Sometimes, it's all you can do.]