Riley knelt next to the still-sobbing Holden and put a hand on his shoulder, a half-hearted attempt at consolation, as he answered Izzy. "Well, the god was always there, and it never was. That's just how gods are. It was Holden's perspective that changed, taking his weight or bringing it back." He rubbed his head in thought, mussing his slicked hair into something more alike to his usual image. "Weight and burdens, revenge and retaliation, thoughts, feelings, bonds, memories... and what causes them. When something traumatic happens, people's minds seal away the memories. It's the same thing. The god took what was troubling him away."

Riley stood, cracking his neck, as he continued to muse on the subject. "Crabs have a heavy shell, right? Makes them tough and difficult to eat. Protects them from things that would hurt them." He sighed, looking down at Holden. "You didn't do anything wrong. Something bad happening doesn't mean you have to face it. Running away [i]is[/i] a valid option, especially given the circumstances. But the only thing that's changed is that you'll accept your burden again. Your mother won't come back. Your family won't recover." Riley spoke such harsh truths in the way that he did, and only he could.

But before Izzy could speak up in protest, Holden swallowed his tears and said, "It does change something." Drying his eyes, red and swollen, he stood up and looked at Izzy. "It wasn't a complete waste. Thank you, Izzy." He stepped forward and took one of her hands in his, holding it gently and tenderly. "I'm very grateful to you. For everything I've said and done, I want to apologize. I'd be very happy if you would be my friend."