[That's it, then. This was the last card he could think to play, and it's too much right now. Magpie can't help it, so Charles decides to hold onto the idea for later, but to let it go for now. In the wake of ramping himself up to try and tell this man about something that's always a struggle to pull from himself, he isn't left feeling much, beyond sympathy and fatigue.

He can't help but think that this is why he's never felt tempted by psychiatry or counselling. His patience isn't lacking, but both are full of moments like these: where there isn't a perfect cure he can call to mind, and administer to heal someone. The mind is more layered than that, and helping someone is usually a team effort. It's not something he'll pretend to understand anywhere near as well as he does traditional medicine. It's frustrating, to feel like his hands are tied behind his back, but it's something he has to accept.

Sitting down beside Magpie, he lays a solid hand on the man's shoulder.]

When you can, go to the room you're planning on staying in, and try to rest. [That's obvious, he's sure, but it still feels like it needs to be said.] I can help you there if you need it.