[He nods slowly. Much like his experiences with Dipper, talking with Coraline gives him an opportunity to see a kind of earnesty most adults have forgotten how to show.]

I can't change things, and I know that. But being here, seeing it for myself for the first time-- it just makes me wish more than ever that I could.

[He pauses before giving her a sidelong glance.]

Thank you-- for listening. You didn't have to.