[Allison's smile grows fonder at the question, even as her chest tightens with a small swell of joy that makes her forget how uncomfortable this separation is for a moment, because they aren't separate in that moment.

She's reaching him. She's getting through to him, and it feels wonderful.]

We don't lie to him, and we don't give up on him. He can't escape from the truth, and if we stick with him, prove that we care, he won't want to. And trust me, it does work.

[Her smile grows, and with a deep breath, she reaches through the bars, extending a hand towards him, inviting him closer.]

After all...we've been talking a whole five minutes without arguing.