[ he hadn't the heart to break it to her that he wasn't a kind man. far from it, most months. it's this place; it allows him more room for kindness than he's accustomed to. ]

A-at the same time -- [ he hits upon a rare stammer ] -- I wouldn't...[ another clearing of his throat. ] I'm loath to make it sound as if I haven't a thing to offer aside from battle scares and trophies.