It says a lot; it says too much, because it's so little, an unsustainable scrap that couldn't buoy most relationships. Such meager expectations and pitiful offerings are not good enough to get by, but Nill accepts them and treats them like they matter in spite of this. Linden closes his eyes, the words stinging not because they're unkind, but because he knows that enough for Nill wouldn't be enough for anyone else, and that she very simply deserves more. She's too good not to.

"Well... people don't just die in the arena. The longer you live the higher your chances are of just... not, anymore."

I'm not going to be old.

"Thanks for understanding. I know you're not just trying."

You probably won't be, either..