[ A mirthless laugh. ]

Then I'm starting to think we might really need him around.

[ Oh god. What now? What else? The longer they talk about this the more Philip feels like he needs a shower to wash off this topic of conversation. ]

...I remember what it was like and- and 'it wasn't your fault' didn't exactly cut it for me either, but--

[ He exhales sharply, trying to recall the sentiments that gave him comfort then. ]

For all it's worth, I don't blame you. [ He doesn't. ] And I'm fine. [ He isn't. ] And I'm... sorry I asked about Dan.

[ He is, if only because the lack of answers wasn't worth the trouble.

...And that's about everything he has to say on the subject. ]