[ What a way to treat a hospital patient. Elysium's expression tenses in response to the sudden movement, lingering for several beats as the initial surge of pain persists before subsiding into a dull ache that continues to throb incessantly. Exhaling another laugh, what it really wants to be is a groan of discomfort. ]

Wow. And with terrible bedside manner to match. Remind me to request for a different doctor once this is over.

[ He can't help it that his gaze falls on the bandages. A pang—separate from the physical one just recently inflicted. ]

… But 'nothing after all of this,' huh? What a way to put it.

[ Why did Sampo get involved? He never had to. It might've been a shared dreamscape, but the actions he'd taken were entirely his own. Just as easily, Elysium could deflect. Just as easily, Elysium could mention the words from days prior—'that he had him too'. And, just as easily, Elysium could ask if Sampo had wanted to hear the real answer, giving him that out.

Which one had he expected? Any of the three would have been equally likely if not for those exact words. Instead, and to that effect—Elysium closes his eyes. Reminds himself to steady his breathing, inhale, exhale. ]

You once asked me what my happiness was, Koski. Remember that? Back then, I told you it was this: in greeting the sunrise every morning and seeing the smiles and laughter of others. That it shouldn't take away from others but to still do what I can, when I can. I might've failed on several accounts already, but my answer hasn't really changed, except that I didn't tell you the full of it. … My elysian fields. My poor, poor life. You raised your glass to my intelligence, but the truth is, I'm just another fool searching for my way towards it.

[ He smiles, yet his expression remains as inscrutable as ever, almost eerily serene. ]

Is that what you wanted to hear?