"I don't think that's true. If I had one chance to leave, and saying goodbye to anyone would cost me that chance, I wouldn't look back. Or maybe it's a one-way trip. Find the path out and you have to take it." She smiled a little, and then stretched it to make sure he could tell. "I can't comment on the doctor, but he was helpful when I hurt my arm fighting the cats. Not this week. On the pilgrimage."

Re-l was beginning to find kneeling uncomfortable, but she ignored the ache in her joints. No point in moving until the conversation was done. Her head tilted forward slightly, though, and her hair brushed against Gabriel's hand.

"I think you're making a mistake," she said, "but I have no interest in forcing you to do anything. But you're going to have to accept support of some kind, at least for the first few days. And if you don't want Aziraphale's help, is there anyone who would suit better?"