[She's quiet. She's just studying him, trying to read what isn't said. He got his powers at fifteen, so his uncle died...the wounds are still fresh, aren't they?]

Oh. I see.

[Saying 'I'm sorry' seems...weird. It's not the right thing to say, she's pretty sure. He's been carrying around so much guilt inside of him, hasn't he?]

That's why you said it's your fault if bad stuff happens.

[Did she speak poorly out of ignorance? She's not really sure. All she knows is that she's not in a good place to start dispensing judgment or advice. It's something he'll have to come to terms with on his own. But...maybe she can help him find some solid ground to stand on, so he can deal with it better. When he's ready.]

[She looks at her knees, then back at him.]

I don't know if it's easier for you to talk about what bothers you, or if you'd rather just be distracted so you can work things out on your own time. But I'd like to help. If it doesn't seem intrusive.

[It's a topic that's very personal and very sensitive. She has no intentions of carelessly trampling his feelings under her feet.]

What can I do?