Hopeless's other hand lifted, found Erskine's cheek so he was cupping Erskine's face. "There is," Hopeless said with that same confidence. "There is still that man in you. He's in your graciousness and generosity. Your love for beautiful things, and sharing them. Your wit. Your dedication. Your compassion."

As he spoke his thumbs stroked the line of Erskine's cheekbones, up to the corner of his eyes, as if to wipe away tears that weren't there. "He's just gotten lost, and you need help finding him. If you want to change, Erskine, it's within you to change. It's always within anyone's capacity to change. I promise, it is."