A heavy sigh of relief left him as she turned back around. Dory still didn't know if there was any possibility of salvaging what they once had, but all possibilities would have vanished entirely if she followed through with leaving. "Alright." He echoed, his shoulders sagging as some of the tension released. Then, after another long moment of silence, he turned to lead her back towards their abandoned tea cups.

(He had a passing thought to settle in the parlor instead. The environment there was cozier, well lived in, and generally easier to relax within. Then, he realized it would be nearly impossible for him to avoid touching her if she began crying again and refused to do so without her consent.)

"I made a lot of mistakes that summer." Dory began once they'd resumed their seats. "Letting you leave was the greatest of them. I'm sorry."

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