Jasper feels empty. Her face hurts. Her chest hurts. Her stomach hurts. [i]Hurts[/i]. What a concept! Like there are mountain ridges inside her that she grinds against, like she's swallowed the void of space as it continues to expand in all directions, like the dying days of a star as it puffs red and bloated, burning toxic fuel. [i]Hurts[/i]. She's never felt anything like this before. It's... ah! Ah. She understands. She steps back from the lighthouse. She bows, fist in palm. "I accept this punishment," she said. "I will carry this pain as penance. Thank you for the curse you have bestowed upon me." She smiles through the tears. She can do this. She can take on his burden. She is glad for the opportunity - she feels proud, even! She'd do this even if she wasn't being punished, just think, removing this suffering from the world! She turns about like a fire in autumn and smiles at the newcomer through tear-soaked joy. What other sorrows can she burn away?