Devero doesn't break the silence that settles between them, doesn't try to stem Koumyou's tears with clumsy wisdom or advice. What meaningful advice could he possibly give to a grieving father? All he has is his sympathy, and the warmth of his presence, and the solidity of his embrace, so that Koumyou doesn't have to be alone with this grief.

So for as long as Koumyou needs to cry, Devero holds him. He even raises one hand to stroke over the back of the priest's head and neck, as Koumyou has so often tried to comfort him.

The dead can't go back, but at least in this place, he's here.