[He swallows. It always comes down to this, doesn't it? About being protected. About someone else taking his beating or shutting him out for his own safety. Like he's too young and fragile to take it, which in itself is a damn insult - because when he really was young and fragile and alone, there was no one around to protect him. Back then he really needed someone to take the burden, but no one did and he's still feeling guilty for practically abandoning his mom first chance he got and now he's grown and suddenly everyone is protecting him. Shutting him out. Leaving.
It's not fair. Even less so because it's coming from her and when he speaks his voice is near breaking, like a bowstring pulled too taut.]