So much of this right now was about weighing what should and should not be said. When you are the secretive sort by virtue of survival, it can be unavoidable how many additional checks and balances are always in the back of your mind. How much was pertinent for him to know, and regardless of what else played out, were sympathies something that could or should be used at this juncture?

"I must look like I'm having a grand old time," he muttered sourly.