[She smiles and covers his hand with her other. There's no heart better than his, and she's so glad to see it shine so strongly. Her thumb moves over the metal, ever treating it as if it were flesh and blood. He asks about Emma because of that good heart, because he is a good brother, and Maelle breathes out slowly through her nose before giving him an answer he may or may not enjoy.]

She's not here. Not yet. I wanted to make sure you were okay before bringing her back.

[Gustave would be a greater comfort. Maelle tips her head thoughtfully, smile widening. He thinks of Emma, of course. But there's more possible.]

Are you going to ask about Sophie, next?

[She was actually next on Maelle's list. To give Gustave his happiness, his life. To give him a second chance. He and Sophie would never have to worry about losing one another again, and what wonderful doors that would open for them.]