Sadly, the truth of the matter is that when one talks to a person who understands pain well enough to run from it every moment of every day, it can always sting more potently. though Linden has no intention to hurt her by dredging up painful memories and opening old wounds, the possibility that he will inadvertently do so is very real. He's self-aware enough to realize this, and to feel preemptive guilt for making tears well up in those blue eyes.

Forgive me. I started with the best intentions, I swear it.

"It's OK. Sometimes there aren't right words, or even words at all. Silence gets a bad rap, but it's not always a uncomfortable, and it's not always wrong."