[ Alan doesn't type out a response immediately; he doesn't like this. He doesn't like what he's hearing, that Polaris has gone silent for that long. It feels wrong, like something that should be just one of the standards in the world has been dislodged. Damaged. And yet she's right, because what can he even do that might help? He's in no position to help anyone, let alone himself. ]
I'm sorry. I'm sorry I brought it up.
...I'm-
[ Maybe he should go. Maybe he should end the connection. But that's not what he wants either. If he ends the connection, maybe he'll never reach her again. ]
I want to help, but I don't know how.
[ The admission doesn't make him feel better, but he has to say something. ]
no subject
I'm sorry. I'm sorry I brought it up.
...I'm-
[ Maybe he should go. Maybe he should end the connection. But that's not what he wants either. If he ends the connection, maybe he'll never reach her again. ]
I want to help, but I don't know how.
[ The admission doesn't make him feel better, but he has to say something. ]