[ Amos, for a long time, doesn't say anything. He just holds Prax to him, lets him cry against his shoulder, the side of his face pressed against Prax's hair. It should be an uncomfortably long hug, but Amos is used to uncomfortable, and he doesn't care, right now. Prax needs this and so Amos will provide.

He disagrees, that Prax doesn't think he can keep hoping. He disagrees, and he wants to shake Prax, in a way, remind him what he's fighting for, what he's staying alive for. But Prax is already shaking, feeling too frail under Amos's hands, and it feels - unfair. So he doesn't. Instead, he holds the botanist for a long time, and then, finally: ]

You know how I know you can? Because of this. Because you're so upset about the idea that she might not be well. Because you want her to be safe so much, I know you won't stop fighting. I know you won't.