"Well, you're doing it splendidly."

He listens to the last part avidly, though his eyes are soft with sadness. "He doesn't talk about it, you know. You dying. I've tried to get him to open up but it's like ripping open a wound. He just won't do it."

He swallows some more wine, humming once. "I can tell just how much he loves you. It's incredible, to watch him with you, like a flower opening up."