You think about it too, don’t you?

Yes.

How often?

Too often.

I feel helpless, like I came too late; like I failed her.

I’ve felt that guilt as well. It can be… weighty.

What did you do about it?

First I fed it to my sorrow. Then I fed it to my rage.

…how would you do it, if you could?

Slowly.

We’ll never get that chance.

No, most likely not. But for them the willingness counts as much as action. It’s a rage sparked by love, fueled by the urge to protect and avenge. They understand. There’s meaning enough in the desire.

It still haunts you, though, that you weren’t there to save him.

Just as it will always haunt you that you couldn’t keep her safe.

If I ever had the chance…

I know. So would I.