[ Cecil holds the mouse up to the side of her face, letting her keep her little paw on her cheek, but she looks at Barakiel when she answers. ]

Please... accept that I will gladly endure pain and sadness in favor of understanding you, of knowing you. I'm sorry. I know that cannot be easy to hear, for many reasons, and I am sorry for remarking my feelings as I did. It was selfish, because this was your life, not mine. I am trying.

You mean the world to me, here. If you gave me the option, I would bring you home with me. Please do not ever doubt that, no matter how said I might be— not if I don't tell you otherwise.