"Ka."

He says it and, unlike before, it ain't a question. All those times she tried to explain it, he's pretty sure he'd got it down now.

Pretty damn sure.

But when he lets go, it's like he can breathe again, and the sun's a little too bright and grass is a little too green and the sky's a little too blue. And he gives River a wry smile, saying the only endearment he knows and nodding at her in thanks.