Is it a kindness to watch Wysteria pluck up a smile and spark some brightness into her voice and think to let the conversation drop? Maybe it would be as simple as that, sweeping all of it aside and leaving it alone. But—

He closes his fingers over her mittened hands on the pan, stalling against the possibility of retreat before Wysteria can make a move towards it. The cold has reddened his knuckles, but his grip is firm.

"Ask your question."