"Because Amy loved me," he says tightly (it takes considerable effort not to snap at her). "And River is Amy. The details were changed, but the person remains the same. Otherwise why would she mourn our daughter so? But," he continues painfully, folding his arms so Annabel Lee won't see him clench his fists, "She also loves you, and Erik. She asked me to speak with you and ask your permission to court her." He forces himself to stop and take a death breath, although his throat and chest feel as though they are being squeezed in a vise. "This is not easy for me, as I said. Yet it is a simple enough request, for the chance to be close to her."