Hurt, killed... I don't want that to happen to you. [ This story is a monster. People have already gotten hurt because of it. I won't let her get hurt too. ]

I know, and I want that too. We'll get that one day, when the story ends. When it's over, I'll come home. [ If she's still waiting. If she wants to wait for me. I can't ask her to do that, but either way, I'll come back. ]

What if you talked to Barry? He has connections and he could figure out something. What if I write a letter with instructions for him? That could work. He knows me, and he knows... well, he knows I do things spur of the moment sometimes. He'd do it if I asked.

[ He pauses for just a second, and then he remembers. ] Yeah, I owe you a coffee date. Several coffee dates.

[ He reaches for her again, fingers stretching out to touch her hair. He wants to ask something; he wants to suggest something that they can do together, but he's realizing he's not sure how to ask it in a way that won't offend her. ]

I had an idea, but I know it's going to sound weird.