Lancelot strokes her hair. He understands the difference she is highlighting, and it pains him to think that if something were to happen and they were all thrown back into their own worlds, Susan would no doubt be lonelier. But this does help slot something into place for him.

"It's not so much that I am dwelling on it, I suppose. But-- I have done my best not to think or feel much of it. After... after some of the things that have happened here, of late, I find it harder to set aside."