"I hold a theory that most of the doctors were caught up during some of the Hospital riots," His tone is somber, but not quite as down as it was a moment ago. "Oh, I've been getting hints these last few weeks, I think the locals believe I'm the genuine deal now. No quarkery involved. I'm new to the area but wise enough to watch and wait. I've already ruled out Oma. Pity, I like the Oma and I know they're open but I'm not quite sure if I want to ruin a delicate balance they have with the Chet. I'm afraid it would spill over."
It wasn't the fact he wouldn't accept sympathy or sorrow, it was simply the fact it was still so raw. The empathy hurt more than it soothed. It was simply better to push on.
"Ah, I only lived in England until I was 21. Hopped on a plane to some place ever colder, Boston, for graduate school and my residency. Then I moved to Delware and that's comparatively cold to London." He quirked a smile at the young woman, almost fatherly. "Never been to Texas, but I imagine a waste land when I hear the word. Surely I'm wrong."