[and he absolutely notices that omission. To him it's as good as confirmation--they're never getting her back. The knowledge punches a hole in his heart and again--he wonders how River's managed to get by all these years. Did they teach her not to feel? It makes him nauseous and sad (and still confused), thinking that his child might have been manipulated and conditioned into being uncaring.
(But River cares about things. Obviously. He's seen proof of it time and again.)
He's quiet again for a moment, visibly struggling to accept and process what River didn't say, and keep his emotions in check. Finally he looks back at her again says with a faint air of desperation]
But you were cared for at least? You knew that you had parents and that we loved you and--and missed you?
[he so obviously wants her to say yes, like his sanity depends on it]
no subject
(But River cares about things. Obviously. He's seen proof of it time and again.)
He's quiet again for a moment, visibly struggling to accept and process what River didn't say, and keep his emotions in check. Finally he looks back at her again says with a faint air of desperation]
But you were cared for at least? You knew that you had parents and that we loved you and--and missed you?
[he so obviously wants her to say yes, like his sanity depends on it]