[There is another long silence. More than anything, he wanted to do at least this much for her. He knew Ran, better than he knew anyone. He knew that she wasn't taking this situation as well as it seemed.

And it hurt him to give this answer, even though he knew there was no other choice.]

I'm sorry. I can't. And I can't tell you why. I'll talk to you through text as much as you need, but I can't call you.