[ Fatima chuckles to herself again. It's hard not to, really. A good mood can be infectious even if it's bittersweet. ]

I won't lie, it would've been a great ending. [ No sense mincing words about it. ] But it seems to have put a rare smile on your face, so I can't say it's a total loss. I don't remember the last time I've seen it.

[ For her attempt at lightening things up, she can't deny a somber undertone to the situation. Especially so with the admission of his wish. She could guess at its true nature plenty with the cheat sheet into his privacy that were her dreams, but to have it laid out so plainly still leave her reeling. Part of her wonders if she should try to look surprised, but it strikes her as a patronizing gesture. She can't do that to him. Instead, she resolves to keep her mind's eye view to herself. ]

For what it's worth, I think they'll be marching with us anyway when the time comes...if you'll excuse my own sentimentality.