[ He closes his eyes. He's quiet. Finally, slowly, he says - ]

And the only thing that I know is that I don't - Is that I want to make you all right. With every ounce of my energy, I just want to make certain that you're all right.

[ A plaintive spread of his hands. And he says, apologetically - ]

I was not, honestly, displeased. When he absconded. And I am sorry to say such a thing, but...It made me feel steadier about your future, to have him gone.