Luke had no idea what to do with children, either, but he didn't say that. It just reminded him of all the children he'd failed. One, in particular, who had, in the end, caused the death of the others.

It was strange, how much that still hurt. Indeed, the pain was sharper than it had been in some time. Like limbs long numb, his emotions were feeling the burn of disuse.

"You... want to talk," he repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "About what?"

He could barely remember what breakfast was. Mealtime was really illusory, here alone on an island.