He takes a slow, deep breath. "Padmé. I will always come back. I wish..." he trails off, glancing toward the low fire flickering in the small hearth. "I will do all that I can, to protect those I care for. If I did not fear for your safety, and theirs, I would bring your children to you. I will do all that is in my power to set things right. But I cannot cut the future short, to make today brighter."

His own Master, Qui-Gon, had cautioned him on numerous occasions to focus on the moment, not what lies ahead. Now, he finds himself having to go back on all those teachings, and think of what will happen many, many years from now, depending on what course of action he takes.