Goosebumps and chills roll through Neal in consecutive waves, as the layers of that word and its context hit. He draws Malcolm over to a quiet corner and hugs him, tight, lips pressed against his cheek and then close to his ear.

"Malcolm Bright," Neal whispers, tense with emotion, voice still gentle. "No matter what happens to me, the world needs you in it. It's a better place that way. And no matter what happens to me, if you love me, you won't make me the reason you leave."