There is not real need to block him from a difficult conversation. He has wanted to know what is wrong with us. That is wrong with us. I showed up when he needed me to be there. I sat there and took all his issues, covered his binges, took care of him, and then when it was calm, I'd head back into my own life.
It's not a round about argument. It is just that. It doesn't revolve around his issues, only my own, and he didn't know about it until 50 years after the fact when Enzo showed up here.