[ She might not blame him for how he's changed, but he's already begun to blame himself, and now that he's started, he can't redirect himself. If he'd been better, or more capable, maybe he wouldn't be like this. But then again, there's a part of him that knows there's no preparing for something like this. People who've never encountered such things would have no idea what to do. People like Stucky and Rusty and so many others who called Bright Falls home had no idea what to do.

Still, it feels like something he's responsible for. ]

Why would this be any different? Because now I barely remember us and what we had before. I barely remember the promises I made you, only that I made them. And what good does that do you now that I can't remember them?

[ He pauses briefly and then he adds: ] I still could use your help. I- I need your help. [ But I'm scared of what might happen to her if she helps me. People who've tried to help have only gotten hurt... Can Polaris protect her from the Dark Presence?

She asks what else it's taken from him, and his expression darkens even as he feels himself lean slightly into her hands pressing against his back. ]

I lost more than just my memories. I forgot what it looks like when the sun's out. There's no sun in the Dark Place. It's always dark there, and cold, even in the room where I did my writing. I forgot what it's like to just sit and talk to someone.

[ He pauses again. ]

And the coffee sucks there. [ His mouth twitches a little and his lips turn up into a slight smile, but there's truth in the joke as well. ] Don't even get me started on the food.