Gabriel gave a short nod in reply, studying her face, her tired and troubled eyes, the way she held herself. They were of a kind, barely sleeping, barely eating. Hanging on by threads of hope.

Her apology surprised him. He settled into silence, thinking over her answer before he tipped his head forward, breathing in.

"If it had been her, I would not have left either."

Gabriel straightened, turned, and walked back down the hall.

Behind Marinette, Nooroo phased through the door, watching her with huge worried eyes.