[Everyone makes mistakes; that's a fact with which Xingchen is painfully familiar. But even so, he has to wonder what could have been so terrible and unforgivable.]

I am sure you had your reasons. You don't strike me as someone who acts rashly.

[Then again, Xie Lian may have learned from his mistakes and gotten to where he is now because of that.

When it comes time for the dressing change, Xingchen braces himself. He inhales sharply at some points as the more stained bandages are peeled away. This is also expected, but it still hurts, even if he won't offer up more complaints. Xie Lian is doing his best and Xingchen has no right to make it more difficult.

So he remains focused on the conversation, though that may not be as pleasant as he would like, either. To Xingchen's understanding, Xie Lian is not only a banished god but one whose husband has passed away! His heart aches for his friend.]

...My condolences. That must be difficult.