For a long moment after Rosita stops asking questions, Drake stays quiet. He looks out at the waves down the beach, just breathing the sea air and twisting Sable's leash between his fingers. Tactile things. Stay in the moment. Answer her.

Finally he exhales heavily, like he's made a decision.

"The thing is, you're asking me these questions as 'if's when they're not. It doesn't line up exactly, but I do understand. And it's because I know where you're coming from with all this that I've never called you crazy, never said you're overreacting or too worried. But there's also no way for me to prove to you that I'm not gonna hurt him except letting it play out."

He looks back at Rosita, expression just resigned now. Grieving for someone who's also right in front of you is a mess and he knows that all too well. Doesn't mean it doesn't have to happen.

"I can promise you til I'm blue in the face that I mean well and you won't believe me, because of what other people have put you through. That's not your fault. But it's not mine, either. And it took me a long time and a lot of pain to accept that I can't convince anyone to trust me. I can't, Rosita. All I can do is tell you the truth and do my best for him. Maybe eventually that'll be enough."