[Spirit of Envy? interesting. that shows on his face, too, however briefly and even if he doesn't address it. when that interest sinks back into his exhaustion -- and his hurt, unrelated to this sickness -- he hums. he almost ends up regretting the sound, swallowing down another coughing fit, before he finally answers]

She was. [a beat] I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, though. We're meant to lose the people we love ... or whatever that bullshit quote actually is. [between here and home, he's lost a lot. most of it has been his own fault, but it's made him bitter, ruined the surprise. it fucking figures that Melinoë would have disappeared. it fucking figures that happiness isn't in the cards for him]