[ solemnly, xie lian considers that thought. ] ...I think you and I know the answer to that question.

[ he glances down at his hands, turning his palms over briefly to look at the callouses at his palms, at the missing red string from his finger. ] ...but... at least for myself, I want to take that as a reason why we have to figure it out quicker. Not just for myself - the memories of an old man are not so consequential - but for all of the people here, and for all of the people who don't know this is happening at all.

I can't let fear of loss be a reason not to wade forward into the darkness, for them.