Karis wishes she was capable of crying. Of good, old-fashioned human sorrow. Because right now all she feels is numb and helpless and she hates it. There's just another feeling of loss and despair layered on everything else and there's no catharsis, no way of getting around it. It's just one more thing on her mind that's going to lurk there, gnawing at her psyche until the day she finally snaps (if she hasn't already). She holds Howard until the light is out of his eyes and his body is starting to cool. Then she eases him down and stands, staring at nothing in particular.

"...to Hell with everything."

For once, there's no strut or arrogance about her. Just twisted bitterness and sadness and an odd sense of vulnerability. At least until she squares her shoulders and stands up straight again.

"...Bye. Howie."

He's beyond hearing, but it helps. Just a little.