He cannot look away from her steady gaze, and the memories of their brief history flicker across his mind like images from one of Edison's magic lanterns, vivid and yet, remote.

As she speaks, the distance between them grows smaller, without him ever taking a step closer to her. Where he was a few paces away, now he is standing, looking down into her face.

"I will not lie to you, Rae. I find myself -- craving your presence. At first, just the sound of your voice. Perhaps a glimpse of your hair, perhaps that will satisfy this longing. But each time, it is not enough."

His hand rises and his fingertips touch her temple, weaving into her hair, his palm coming to cup her skull as his nails graze her scalp oh so lightly.

"Each time I leave you, the hunger grows. It is -- as if the dawn herself has come down to walk beside me."