[Henry speaks only what he believes to be true, and possibly from a perspective of man who could twist it up to view it in a negative way. (The past never leaves. The trauma always remains. But the good things, too, are facet he doesn't always recognize: the memories that are precious hold on just as tightly. It's why music circumvents his powers so easily -- because they are often tied to exactly that. Good memories.)

Still, he meant what he said. Briar will go nowhere. He is ingrained in her, now, and if she takes that as comfort? All the better for it, he supposes.

His grin turns rueful.]

No. But my powers tend to do that. They make people emotional.

[It's not wrong.]

Maybe it didn't go exactly as you planned, but thank you for sharing that part of yourself with me. I'll have to return the favor someday.