Don't do that. [He nudges her foot with his and slouches enough to put himself back in her line of sight as she looks down. Nothing if not persistent. ] I've had enough of leaving you sad. You've had a rough spring; don't let me add to that.

[This time he's tempted to reach out for her hands, tangle them with his and hold on, somehow. She's not the only one to feel like this is letting go all over again. He'd stay if he could just usurp his younger self, a bundle of defences and desires he still has but is at least better aware of now.]

Want to hear something about Foreman? His brother got out of jail. House hired him.