... he doesn't say anything. No, he didn't say anything, did he? He didn't say any of that out loud, so how—

There's an instinctive urge to deny it again, but nothing escapes his throat. It's frightening. Being known, risking rejection. I'll disappoint you. I'll mess it up—if Heimr could hear his thoughts before, can he still hear everything now? How long was he listening? Oh god.

Add takes a shaky step back. There is a very real temptation to run away, so it's probably for the best that they're both stuck in this hazy memory. He's not quite startled enough to forget that.

Deep breaths, Add. Stay calm. Keep it together.

"I... i-it's not like that, I just... I'm not..."

he doesn't know how to say it, so this is the only way he ever will

he never gave up on mom, so why should he give up on everyone else? why can't they fix what was lost?

it's not over yet. it doesn't have to be. it won't be exactly the same, but... nothing is impossible.