"Is it better?" Cole asks, with a frown. "You're scared."

It's said in a matter of fact tone of voice as Cole looks Julien over with a worried frown. He knows he shouldn't be doing this, people don't like it when he does this, but Julien just hurts so much, a hurt that blazes bright, shining from both human and bird. I could have done better. It's all my fault. Don't take me back there.

"She chose to come. People can't make decisions for other people. You couldn't force her to stay. Besides, you wanted to help."

At least for Cole, for this spirit of compassion, that's what matters. Someone was hurting, Julien tried to help.