[ ah-- that does make him feel bad, as he understands what she's referring to. And it isn't as easy for him to respond to, as he'd like... ]

... I see. I'm sorry, I didn't realize.

[ a soft exhale, ]

But in the span of many years... Roses are still the flowers of romance, despite all their thorns. Indeed, caring for anyone will eventually hurt. Yet, you can still choose to do it anyway.

And you have something most humans don't.