[He stopped in his tracks, eyes downcast.] I don't... but I didn't know what happened. It's been a few days since I saw her last. [Ashton sat back down in his chair, bringing his knees up to his chest, and resting his forehead on them, arms holding the legs close.] I don't even know how long she's been gone.
[There was a sniff, but he didn't look up.] You're right. I can't be selfish. I'm... I'm sure she's happy to be home. Happy to see her friends. Happy to see Sh-- [The name is so thick that he chokes on it. Did he really mean that?]