No well-meaning words or truths can mend the pain of losing a loved one. Alphinaud knows this all too well, and Ken is clearly at an age where such a hardship is exceptionally difficult to endure. Despite that, he is quite strong, having displayed such maturity beyond his years, but that means that he likely tries harder to keep these feelings buried. That, in its own right, can compound the sorrow, making it rough to accept reality when necessary.

"You are correct," he agrees, his tone soothing and understanding as he places a hand upon Ken's trembling shoulder. "It's hardly fair, and there's nothing we can do to prepare ourselves for when it happens. Though they won't want us to grieve long, we can hardly help the strength of their memories in our hearts."

The stronger the bond, the harder it is to let go, to move forward once more. Even after acceptance, there are times when those feelings will resurface and grief sets in once more. The heart is never fully healed; it can never replace the home made for that person.

"It is quite all right to let yourself succumb to these emotions," he assures him. "Ignoring them forever won't erase the pain. Nothing truly can... We must instead learn to live with it."