He woulda said goodbye if he could. He was all about making flashy exits and entrances. Is. It's not like he's dead. This one girl, she vanished, and I was sure she was dead, but a while back I found out she's all right. Couldn't tell you how I know, but she is.

[He runs his fingers over the wood of the stump. The grain is real clearly defined. He can feel every line.]

[The corner of Blake's mouth twitches up.] He's a huge, cocky pain in the ass is what he is. One of those guys who never learned when to keep their mouths shut, and act like it's something to be proud of.

But he helped me when he didn't have to.