There are several easily predictable responses to such an admission, none of which he'll receive. What Charles does get in response must be quite familiar by now: wordless scrutiny, its bearer contemplative, the faint crease between his eyebrows. He may come to think this will be the end of their conversation, but just as Charles reaches the foot of that narrow staircase, Erik says, "Thank you."

Should he turn in time, he may glimpse partially Erik's narrow figure, already withdrawing into the bedroom.