[For James, this is still a raw subject. A… thorny subject, especially when discussed with a stranger. He shouldn’t, but he still cleaves away some of the details in his mind in case the questions come. He should feel guilty for that, too — he does, but he’ll carry that on his shoulders for now.

Still, he’s met with condolences instead. James watches silently as Ivan picks up the crowbar.]

Not really something you ever want to share in common with anyone else. I’m… sorry, too, though.

[It’s strange, to feel like someone can empathize; and that maybe the empathy is only unknowingly surface level without having the full story. Still, it’s not what he expected.]

The… the person you’re looking for, they’re not somehow related to your wife, are they?

[Not necessarily blood related. But any kind of connection — it’s what this town would play with.]