He cannot protect Sizhui from loss. He, and every parent, would do so, if he could. That the world does not allow for that much kindness is something he'd wished different from a young age, and known in the same moment, only the living could offer any heart in the face of an ambivalent world.

"Mm. As much for us as for the people around us, and in memory and affection for those who are not here, even when we wish they still were. In the meantime, whenever you feel like, I'm here for hug practise, you know. I think I'm getting fairly good at it."

A warm smile, and a self-aimed tease, but it's what he needs it to be for them both.