[ kaveh brings alhaitham's hand to his forehead. alhaitham allows it. how can he not? a rainy spring, a flower pressed within the pages of a long-forgotten book, and kaveh, who had been the first to take alhaitham's hand all those years back. alhaitham does not fully remember the context. the ignition of kaveh's passions have always come without warning nor rhyme - the opening of a fantastic new restaurant, the exhibition of a new work by a promising herbad, the sight of the stars above. but kaveh's hand has always been warm and sure in his. the illness cannot take that away.

so he allows it. his fingers slot between kaveh's. he lets himself be held there.

how will you pull me up from the dark well of despair? ]

Have you not always said that hope is the counter to despair? [ is what alhaitham says. ] I have already given you the solution. I will remember for you the faith you have for the world. I will keep the memory until you are ready to have it again. Is that not hope?