[ There are not words to properly respond to such feelings, he knows. He's had all the time in the world to think of them and falls short. Sharon, on such short notice? They aren't the balm he might want, but that is not her fault. He appreciates the feeling behind it, even as the ache echoes. ] Thank you.

We knew things were getting rougher, but none of us understood how terribly so at the time. I had no inclination it would be my last time seeing them, nor they the last they'd see of me.