Somehow, that just makes it worse. Talking about family is always a sore spot for Fiona, but she can usually hide it, use it, or set it aside. Now's different, it's too close to the surface. She does what she always does, puts her head in her hands, breathes deep, and lets it fade. It's so far away, she tells herself. She's so tired, and it takes more energy to cry.

Her voice is tired when she speaks, but she's not on the edge of tears. "I'm sorry. Something about my brothers." She shakes her head, and sits down next to him. Fiona pulls out the letter, and hands it to him. "Promise me you won't trouble yourself none."

She couldn't stand it if she worried him. He has enough to worry about.