I know. [ Or: he doesn't really 100% know, or didn't know, or else he would have cut it out. ] I'm sorry. I don't know how to see you hurt like that and not try to do something, but I know I wasn't helping. This is good, I think. [ The distance. ] And I can comfort myself with the fact you needed six bedmates to replace me.

[ And he makes a strangled noise that's a little bit like a laugh. ]

Maker's breath. She's twelve. [ Or something. ] You can tell her I miss her, too, but only if you make it sound very avuncular and appropriate.