His gaze lighted upon Kathryn’s face. So beautiful, strong. Slotted up, but
still wonderful. "No." He surprised himself. It wasn’t just because he’d found a
friend in Kathryn or because of the grief for those who had fallen, but 
everything. The sum total of his life thus far. Looking back on it, it seemed 
more man enough to stand on its own. "No," he said again, and laughed. He felt
tears welling up in his eyes and suppressed them. "No, I don’t need to see him."
A lightness filled his chest. He looked at Kathryn. Her smile grew slowly, full 
of pride and pleasure.