[ If only he knew. If only she could tell him. It would be wonderful to just lay it all out for him, put her trust completely in this man who her father figure has so idolized over the years. But she can't. That would be like taking the easy way through a maze only to set fire to it on her way. Easy isn't an option here.

The smile she gives him in return is forced but perfectly believable. She's spent enough of her life pretending things are okay when they really aren't for her to lie convincingly about this one thing. It makes her feel terrible to lie to him at all, of course, but at least it's not a total lie. She is grateful to him for his efforts at offering her comfort and reassurance, as her smile suggests, and part of her does believe she'll see them all again. ]

Thanks, Sousa. I appreciate it. [ The smile turns a bit self-deprecating and she shakes her head, looking down in an almost sheepish manner. ] And you're absolutely right, I'll see them again. I really shouldn't be all dramatic about it like this.