"Thank you." Aw, look at that. The barest trace of a smile reforms, and he wheezes a self-defeated laugh. "Rationally, I know this. Any family that's worth a damn wouldn't disown someone over righteous anger, but the heart and mind often wage war with one another. Doubly so when you've lived as I have."

He looks down, bringing a hand over his chest. "I can only hope that your struggles haven't been nearly so dire."