[He shakes his head to dismiss the thought, lavender mane only barely shifted from the movement.]

... I understand the desire to be self-sufficient. There was a time, years ago... where I struggled with my own helplessness as well.

[He opens his eyes to regard her with a steady gaze.]

But I fear I may have gone too far, in several aspects. It can be a difficult balance to strike—between independence and allowing oneself to rely on others.