"I need a lifetime," he choked out, looking at her as though he was only just seeing her for the first time. His expression was pitiful, but he tried to rein it in, forcing his features smooth -- or, at least, as smooth as they would go. Despite his best effort, there was something fragile about his face, like it could break at any moment, fracture, and that it probably would.

"But that's not an option."