Why do kids always ask the hardest questions? It feels like there is a particular answer she wants to hear, but Kaji doesn't know it. Kaji decides in an instant that he shouldn't share his suspicions that his own world has been destroyed. Or, if his world wasn't destroyed, then it's a comfort to him that no one would miss Ryoji Kaji. But, what answer would be a greater comfort to Ib?

"If they do," he slowly decides to answer, "then I'm sure they're looking for you. And they'll be happy to see you when we get this all sorted out and we can send you back."

And then he waits for the reaction, silently hoping that was the right answer.