The first time he asked the question he felt the answer break something in two.

The second time he had asked the question he tasted blood that wasn't there.

The third time he asked the question he learned what hope was by the shape it left behind.

He asked the question many times more. Always the same question, always the same answer. He didn't ask the question because he expected something different. He asked the question because he could ask it and if he could ask it he had to.

Her AI proxy replied Nevermore.