Would it be kinder, though? Sure, it hurts. Sometimes love hurts. Sometimes being pulled out of the muck and being told you're worth something hurts. But eventually it doesn't hurt. Time soothes all wounds. But time cannot soothe a wound that's being held onto like a feral kitten grasps onto their mother.

"Hm?" Both eyebrows raise, "Now you've got me curious about who."