[Elliot's staff in front of her jolts her, slightly. His words do too, and she reaches a hand out to the staff, squeezing it hard enough to make the leather of her glove creak before pushing past.]

I know.

[She never takes her eyes off the creature, but she keeps speaking in a low voice, stepping slowly forward.]

I...want it to be true, but he's gone. And this thing is going to regret making me think of him.

[Another step, almost in arm's reach now, the creature's arm spread wide to invite a hug.]

...You may want to look away.