Alain opened his mouth to say that she didn't understand, that the very fact that they were all here meant something was at work. But being told she was wrong again hardly seemed like something that would help her, so he closed his mouth again without saying a word, giving her a very tired smile. "Tea sounds wonderful, thankee. And I never said I didn't want hugs."

He laid his hand over hers, giving it a reassuring little squeeze. "It'll pass, anyroad. Grief doesn't leave us, but the pain that comes with it will fall into an ache before too long."