And it occurs to him for the first time that the real danger is not the void beyond the walls, but rather the memories within.

I cried when he talked to Susan :( and Rose, oh, Rose. I have Rose's Theme playing in the background, and this was so beautiful and tragic and immense and just wow. And what a perfect, beautiful ending. So well done, lovely :) adding it to my memories for many more re-reads to come, thank you.