He was quiet for a long moment. But then he was stroking her hair, pulling it back as he had seen Maria do time and again. Once she was able, he thought, he'd braid it for her. Maria had taught him, and he knew well how to make the crown of braid that she'd worn so often. Somehow, he was sure 7 would appreciate it.

For now, though, he gave it a gentle twist and coiled it at the back of her head, using its own weight and a careful bit of tucking to hold it in place before he stroked the cloth over the back of her neck. "Curiosity and bravery are not flaws to be punished by death. They should be tempered by wisdom and caution, but they are still virtues to be carefully tended. I am sorry that this person you knew did not see it in the right way."