"Honestly, I've been thinking quite a bit." James admitted, "About the future, I suppose." He looked outward, staring towards some far-off point. "I mean," he continued, "eventually it's all going to fall on me, the weight of leading the Radiants, the burden of safeguarding the next generation, the fate of the war." He slumped forward, the weight of it all almost palpable in his mind. Head in his hands he said quietly, "I've been trying my best to help hold everyone up; you, Ben, Shana, Rob, but I'm not sure I can do it all on my own." he sighed, continuing, "Heck, I know it's foolish to even try to do it all on my own, but, I'm closer to you guys than anyone else besides my own family, and I just won't let you all bear your burdens alone."
James looked back up at Cassie, eyes red, and a little glassy from the tears he had shed, "Thanks for listening." he said, quietly."