"You are in luck," he joked as he gestured for her to follow him further inside. "Tea I can manage." He led her through the small living area and into the kitchen where he found the kettle after rummaging through a few cabinets. "Aha!" He set to making the tea and looked up as she pressed. He could tell there was meaning behind the words. He appreciated it, but, at the same time, Al was learning to deal with things on his own. Maybe closing himself off wasn't the best idea, but he was tired of people thinking he was helpless...and proving them right. "It has been rough for all of us," he said. "No one has it harder than anyone else." He gave her a pointed look. "And some of us can avoid the reminders. How are YOU?" He hated that her shop wasn't her safe place anymore.