Stephen could tell that he had gotten through, which was a step forward. He didn't expect Lori to turn into Patrick, but he needed to learn that it wasn't just books and formulas, but research required to make a certain leap, following your instinct, dealing with the disappointments of being wrong. Research was much like relationship.
"Good, that's actually good," Stephen said. "Learn from that. You learn to take risks, to jump in the dark, to know that you can be wrong and you'll be disappointed, and still take the chance."
His expression softened. "You have to do that in life too. You can't run away and stay busy. The only way to forget Dylan is to accept that pain, move on and wait for the next bloke that is going to make you feel all of that, both the good and the bad."