[There's a pang in her heart as he says that last part. He had made this choice back when they were together. Back when they were lost in that fantasy, when they had hope for some kind of life together that they both know now isn't possible. They had pulled the wool over their own eyes, in the name of coping.]

You were protecting me. [Because he loved her. Because he had hoped there was a chance for a life with her outside of this place, maybe.

When she pulls out of the hug, her hand goes up to his cheek, palm pressing gently. He's such a good man. She doesn't deserve to have him in her life still, she thinks.]

But you don't have to save me, Tak. You can be free of me if you want. I don't have to hold you back any more than I already have.

[She knows he'll refuse. But she wants to put the offer out there, so he doesn't feel like she's expecting him to save her.]