"If I didn't step up, Maruki, no one would have survived," Hamuko replied softly. "Everyone would be Lost... and then everyone would have died slowly and painfully. My life for everyone else - it hurts to have died, but I want everyone to have a chance to live."

Giving him a glance, seeing his face... mostly composed, mostly listening, but there was a weight in his silence and the way his throat swallowed back words and thoughts. The way he shook his head to banish his reaction.

"Is it strange that I don't feel any regret or doubt about it, even if I'm sad?"