[ He knew what it was like to ask a question you already had the answer to, as if were impossible to believe. Unless Armand hadn't read his text in its entirety, but he doubted that. ]

You did nothing wrong, Armand.

[ His thumb slowly smoothed along his lower lip. ]

For a Scarback, when we bleed it means redemption, forgiveness. I was the one who got lost in the beautiful feeling you were giving me. I was selfish, I frightened you, I hurt you.

Thank you for caring so much about me, for taking that journey with me, for bringing me to the hospital when I let you down, for coming here and letting me speak with you, touch you. You've given me so much, please let me give you something, my absolution.