[Erhard follows, settling into a seat with a soft sigh. He still owes for his previous wish. What in the world will the price be for something like this?]

I can only ask because I know you’ll tell me the cost before I accept the terms. You’re not the devil, after all. But I’m still afraid of what the answer might be, because if I can’t accept... it’s God knows how many steps back from being able to help the person I love. It will feel like another failure, like I’ve let him down again.

[Even with therapy, medication, and genuine happiness, he’s still recovering from a lifetime of doubt and self-loathing.]