[He lowers his hand, his fingers curling against his palm as shame colors him.]

I have only my church and my guilt for company in my world.

[He sucks in a breath, his eyes on the floor.]

Coming here as made me realize how my solitude was... destroying me. How sequestering myself away in my family's estate might have been what I thought was best for the people of Bear Den, but it did nothing to help me. I was once afraid of leaving my house for fear of what would happen to those around me, those touched by my affliction; now, I am afraid that I will one day return to that village, losing all I have. My garden, my partner, my friends... people like you.

[He doesn't take Michael up on his suggestion just yet -- he's still processing his inner conflict.]