Oh. Oh. That explains her reaction to Mowgli. Edgar feels a little guilty for bringing up something that clearly is difficult for her, even though he had no idea he was doing so.

Instinctively, he reaches out to pet, to comfort, but - remembering that it's Daine - he lets the hand drop into his lap instead.

I'm sorry. He isn't sure what else to say. He's lost himself before, lost something before in that time after his dad, but he's sure it isn't the same as what Daine went through. He doesn't want to push, but he gets the impression that Daine wants to talk, so he gently asks, How did you come back?