Nova Peak Until I found a bruise on the other side

he knew she was correct, on both counts. companionship without the pressure of something he could not give sparkled attractively, a bit of mica in a trail that had long been dust. "all right," he gruffed, unsure of what else he might say. he wished to argue, to tell takiyok he must carry that guilt for the sake of his own soul.
but he did not; he allowed the grace of inwardly turning that emotion.
"that is true." he had learned that lesson. 
a peaceable breath, chest feeling as though it had somehow become lighter in a small way. "did you ever visit the bypass just south? i adored it there."