"How can they not have, Will?" asks Granby, looking up again, blue eyes filled with emotion that he's having a hard time holding in check. He drags in a shuddering breath.

"With..." He shakes his head. "I should never have asked you, Will. I'm sorry, for that. I will never be able to truly convey how sorry. You...I'm so grateful, but it isn't a choice you should have had to make. Not on my account."

It all comes out in a rush and, when it's done, Granby sits, flushed and miserable.