She listens to each carefully, looking no happier for it. If only she could try anyway, try it and see -- but if she is wrong, and the life they return to is as these three say it will be, that would be an intolerable mistake.

"You ask much of me," she murmurs, and her attention settles once again on Dipper. She doesn't think, not at all, but his question has her stepping forward and lowering slowly to a crouch before him.

"Do you think that?" she asks, glowing eyes searching his. Preparing to give up a dream is no easy matter, but a comforting, young voice can go a long way in helping.