[ But he's trying, and she appreciates that. It was good to see that he's not yet lost that battle, at least; 'watery-eyed' is much better than 'a crying mess'. Fond, she breathes out a laugh, not trusting herself to speak right away. Her own head bows slightly, lips still curled. ]

It'd hard for me to imagine, too. But I hope you do find peace, whatever happens.

[ And her mind threatens to stray in a sadder sort of direction for a moment, but she knows that path well enough to also know better than to travel it. (He wouldn't like it, she thinks, if she were sad.) She's quick, therefore, to urge her smile a little wider, peeking back up at him with it. ]

But for now - yes, let's. I hope I haven't distracted you from anything important, but-- if you've got time, we can go get ice cream?

[ Just to make sure he remains cheered up and she doesn't find him cry-jogging again later. That's a youthful experience, isn't it? ]