( his hand rests on her knee as he turns his head to meet her gaze, holding it steadily. )

Where do you think your responsibilities lie? ( the most pressing question. she turned to him for comfort and understanding, worried about what she'd do in her despair — and, judging by that tree outside, those concerns were more than justified. )

Because I think you already know the answer; you just need someone else to give you permission to accept it.