[In the past he would have brushed it off and given a vague answer. After his talk with Ann and so many others...he falls silent. After a moment he speaks.]

...it helped. I still get lost in my head from time to time. It’s harder to get out of it each time I lose him. Thought you’d all start vanishing again right after he did.

[And then he would be alone. Again. He had ghosted after them like a shade. He wanted to have last words before they vanished and ensure they were safe until they did.] Maati was more than anyone was prepared for. And...I...thought we’d have a choice on taking the trial.