Gene looks at her out of the corner of his eye. "I need to manage my anger so I don't hurt you again. I don't want to run the risk of lashing out. But if you're so determined to help, I don't think I can stop you."

He sighs, puts his tea down, and runs his hands over his face. "I keep forgetting I have a new family now. A...real family. And I guess now that he's dead I can try and let go of what used to be."