[A long, heavy pause. When he continues, it's softly.]

Yes, you must. You haven't told me anything about where you're from yet. I'm holding you to that.

[Another pause.]

I still believe there's always another way. If I thought I had a snowball's chance, if I didn't know I'd come back, I would have fought. Life's the only thing we're ever actually given without strings. The universe doesn't care what you do with it, it's just there, with the help of chaos theory and a little luck.

[A sharp exhale.]

Thanks.