[for a long moment, he stands there, just looking at her- maybe even looking past her, something in her words striking a chord in him and from his expression it's hard to tell if it's a despondent one or the kind that's so transcendentally beautiful it moves you to sadness.

He sticks his tongue in his cheek, shoulders rising on an inhale, as if the exhale that follows will contain something heavy and weighted, but all that emerges is his own breath as he tears his eyes away.] I could say the same for you, Rose. I hope you keep getting it. On a good day, I'm not the easiest guy to understand.

[he adjusts the strap on his bag.] But I appreciate you keep trying.