"This is home, Asra, I have to at least try."

In another world, in another time, he had said, "If you want to stay here and throw your life away, fine!" and all he left behind was the angry slam of a door.

In this one, he sees his own fear mirrored in their eyes, but despite that they remain steadfast and sincere; in this one, he grabs their hand as if he could draw their strength into himself and feels how their fingers tremble just like his; in this one, he says, quietly, "Okay."