[ UGH she reminds him so much of Lily, his heart aches. His little girl. ]

I know, sweetheart. Forgive your father for not wanting to voice things into being.

[ Silence for a moment, before he speaks, his voice soft. ]

You are a star, my dear. Hale and hearty, and strong as can be.... [ Another pause. ] There are empty shrines, and so many weakened stars.

[ And what they learned of Hoku... ]