"It's difficult being the one others come to for their strength," he says. He knows. "Sooner or later something has to give."

He takes a few more steps in silence punctuated only by their steps and the cane. "There's no shame in having a limit or finding succor when it's reached. I wanted to visit sooner. Events conspired against both of us."

He looks ahead for a time then back to him. "Doubtless you wonder why. I would in your place. In my experience, finding a true understanding at an intersection of a need few comprehend is rare. I'm currently doing well enough, in a position where something I enjoy will benefit someone I respect. It's no more complicated than that. Beyond one other thing."

His lips press a firmer line. "I have a better understanding now of how much harm I did when I arrived, not only to you. I was..." He finds himself at a rare loss for words, his shrug barely visible under the heavy greatcoat.

"With greater understanding comes greater accountability." That part is easier to explain. "If not restitution, at least remorse and a desire to make better decisions going forward. I'll always be what I am. Who I am has more...flexibility. Not even the very old are immune to the necessity of change."