"Everyone has value," Maxwell countered.  "If not to yourself, then to those you are close to."  He wasn't sure how to respond to the man's cold manner, and his statement that there was only one important thing in the world.  That was the sort of thing he'd expect from a lovestruck youth -- no, even then, it was that their beloved's life was worth more than anything else, even their own suffering.  This was something quite different.

"I am sorry if I offended you.  I can respect not wishing to tell falsehoods.  But..."  The doctor hesitated, considering.  "I didn't say you should lie.  There is a difference between a deliberate deception, and not forcing someone to face an uncomfortable truth."

[@TheMinorFall]