when grief strikes

'Cause they took your loved ones
But returned them in exchange for you

"Yeah," Liam said. "It is." There was nothing he could do or say to change the fact that surviving a lover was one of the most challenging things one could live through. The guilt could eat away at you until there was nothing left but a husk - and even if Zavien couldn't see it right now, the fact that he hadn't wasted away to nothing was a blessing. Liam wouldn't have wished that kind of lingering devastation on even his worst enemy, much less a friend.

There was a brief silence. Then Liam sighed. "I know it's probably not my place, but... living life to the fullest is the best thing you can do for someone you've lost. To me, not doing that... that's more dishonorable to their memory than holding on so tightly that you never let go." And given that he had done both, he felt uniquely qualified to attest to that fact.

"As for this thing with Soh... I've found it helps to be open about what you're experiencing. A good partner will understand when you have hard days. And if she doesn't?" His gaze hardened slightly, mouth flattening into a thin line. "Don't waste your time with her. If she can't understand this part of you, she's not worth it."

But would you have it any other way?
You couldn't have it any other way

Liam