[After all of the family Casey has lost, no one can blame him for being so unable to shake that fear of his. When it takes hold, it must feel so real.

Against him, Rue's feathery head nods.]

Deeply. The thought of losing you, of failing you in such an awful way, it will haunt me.

[Their poor, scarred children. If he will allow them, Rue will shift just enough to rub a giant paw at his back in soothing, gentle circles.]

It isn't your fault either, Casey. You have lived through so much, of course that still affects you today, no matter what time has passed. Grief, fear - those often do not make sense. They are feelings so visceral and natural, they go against all understanding.