That's true. Being able to prepare for something makes a difference over being completely surprised. When you know it's coming, it makes it a different situation.

Still difficult, but at least you know.

[He's quiet for a few moments too, listening and then thinking about what she's said.]

I appreciate it, I really do. My hands are not clean by any means, I've gotten used to being the man who does bad things for good reasons.

For a long time, I was involved with some very bad people. I didn't know. Didn't let myself realize. I did things I'm not proud of, thinking they were right, until I learned the truth. But I've tried to be better since, tried to make things right.

It's all I can do, these days, but I'm getting there. Trying to make some peace with who I've been and who I am now.

[Older, sadder, wiser.]