Her optimism was hard to ignore, calling clear and clarion, pulling him back from edges toward the solid ground again. It was still hard to see, still fuzzy, but... better. Better than it had been.

He could practically feel the warmth of her conviction flowing from her hands into his. As uncomfortable as the touch was, he almost craved it now. Now he didn't want to let go.

"You burn, bright but... beautiful. Thank you. For helping."