There had almost been some sort of dim hope that Luke would tell her that yes, there actually was some way that the Force can change the past. She would have even been happy if it had been less in a practical sense and more some sort of long-winded philosophy that was meant to make those who believed in the Force feel comfort and solace, especially when looking back at past mistakes. But Luke wasn't really one for inspiring platitudes, and so Rey couldn't exactly be disappointed by not receiving any.

If nothing else... it was nice. Leia might have seen Luke as some sort of bastion of hope, but really, his own past had given him the insight to be a realist. The Resistance needed realism every bit as much as it needed hope. People could always hope for the best, but it could be devastating if it wasn't tempered by a healthy dose of pragmatism.

Rey was content to simply lean against him in silence for a few moments, but eventually she noticed the way he bowed his head, and she pulled back just enough to look at him, one hand winning over her hesitation and gently cupping his face, wanting him to look up at her again.

"That's why we have to look towards the future," she told him softly. "That's all any of us have any control over."