Sense was lost, comprehension becoming an increasingly challenging effort. Here was a brother who claimed no harm to Nigredo's person. Who, days before, had shown contradicting tendencies. Who held an influence with what was their anti-existence, who was something of a time bomb when it came to moods and shifts. This same individual was promising the sort of kindness one would expect from a beloved.

It wasn't a lie. You could not create falsity with waveforms like you could with words. Albedo truly harbored no hidden nor dubious intentions; in this moment, he would never hurt Nigredo. Like he actually cared.

Therein was the crux. Moments such as these rarely lasted, and the child knew that something would change. They would fall back on inhibitions, duties, and habits, and the promise held now would no longer apply. This was why everything was useless.

He could believe him, but what would be the point?

Nigredo said nothing for a long moment, his conclusions churning uncomfortably within him. Logic knew that keeping silence or lying would do nothing between them. Complete truth, however, would only hurt, and one or more might react negatively. Simplicity, it seemed, was the only option available. The words formed before he could properly think.

{I understand.}