I wasn't there. [It comes out even enough, but the sharp ache of shame at admitting it settles over him heavily all the same as he watches the flames eat away at the wood in the fireplace.] Told me to stay back and keep outta trouble before they left.

[They might not have stopped if he was there, he knows that, but he hunches in on himself even more, bracing himself against the chill.

But then he catches himself doing it and shakes his head a little - snap out of it - and looks back up at Connor and away from the fire.]

Sorry. You lemme know if anythin' I'm saying's making things worse, okay?