[ Cameron is quiet for a moment, frowning slightly - not at his question but at the sheer number of people in the building and around it. She knows roughly how many of them are socializing, how many of them monitoring the conversations and activities of everyone at the party.

More than she would like, with a question like that. However, she believes she and Hal are coming to an understanding, and such risks are hers to take, in the end. This is no one's secret but her own. ]

A version of a man I will ensure will never come to pass. John will grow up, grow older, but will never be the same. His presence here and my presence in his timeline ensure that.

[ She pauses. ]

I have forged other relationships. Other attachments. I have found other purposes in this place. It does not change what I miss; in some cases, it just gives me new things to miss when they are not accessible to me.