Lunise's thanks were implicit in her holding on tighter and finally making one suppressed sobbing sound. There was a bittersweetness to the moment; the affirmations came with the knowledge that their time together would be limited.

The request helped Lunise to rally just a little. She wiped her face clear with a cuff of her robe and sniffed, opening her eyes to focus. "Of c-...Nothing would make him happier. Of course I will, mother!"