"The cat is fine," he says. It's nuzzled against his shoulder. Warm.

"I don't need your approval," he adds. "Jesus Christ, I can't believe I was ever like this. No wonder they left." It's angry, hurt. He knows he shouldn't say it, but for a moment it's like looking at his younger self, the rookie who'd been left behind. A warning that he shouldn't ever make that mistake again.